Atyap people in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna state have resolved to change the narrative of bloodletting and war in the region.
Indigenes of the communities say they are determined to ensure peaceful coexistence for their own development and progress.
The area had since 2020 been embroiled in attacks resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property as well as other valuables.
The new National President of Atyap Community Development Association, ACDA, Comrade Dr. Silas Adamu, shortly after his inauguration, said the area needs the orbit of God’s light to survive.
“We are going to tow this line by concentrating first and resolving to change this narrative of bloodletting and war to that of peaceful coexistence for the development and progress of our people.”
“Realising the challenges posed by the insecurity in Atyapland, one would say we need the total orbit of God’s light to be able to weave through the complex situation we find ourselves in.”
He commended the foresight of the paramount ruler, the Agwatyap, Sir Dominic Gambo Yahaya, in consultations with well-meaning sons and daughters of Atyapland, state government and other patriotic Nigerians have already shown them the way to go by taking the gauntlet of the search for peaceful coexistence amongst the belligerent groups in the land.
He admitted that efforts at peacebuilding have been difficult and would continue to pose very grave challenges because of internal contradictions placed by a human blockade.
“We as a people are finding it difficult to accept that the only solution to the carnage is to attune our minds to the search for peace, yet no one has come out with any meaningful alternative to the peace efforts initiated by the palace some months ago.”
Dr Adamu noted that the problem that is acting against a quick return to peace is that some primary parties in the conflict have not been faithful to some of the terms of the peace summit held to broker peace in the land as parties have not refrained from incitements and actual altercations.
He advised, “While we show extreme objections to these breaches leading to loss of lives through skirmishes occasioned by guerilla tactics, we hasten to call on all parties to sheathe their swords as a conflict is an ill wind that blows no one any good.”
Zangon Kataf: Atyap leaders promise to reverse narrative of bloodletting
