Network of Peace Journalists Appeals to KDSG to Reinstate Kaduna State Peace Commission

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By Miriam

The Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ), in collaboration with other peace organizations, civil society groups, and peace ambassadors in Kaduna State, has appealed to the state government to reinstate the Kaduna State Peace Commission, which was closed several months ago.

The appeal was made in a statement on Monday, 29 December 2025, by NPJ Team Leader Ibrahima Yakubu, who emphasized the commission’s critical role in coordinating peace initiatives and networks across the state for peace and unity

Yakubu noted that the commission has been central to promoting peaceful coexistence among residents, regardless of ethnic, religious, or tribal differences.

Over the years, it has trained and empowered millions of women, youths, and children through peace education programs

Thousands of religious leaders, traditional titleholders, and security and paramilitary personnel have also been trained in Early Warning and Early Response mechanisms to prevent and manage conflicts before they escalate.

Stakeholders and residents were further equipped with both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to conflict resolution.

Established by law in 2017 and formally inaugurated by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the Kaduna State Peace Commission has restored peace and unity in several communities. Its peacebuilding model has been adopted by many states across Northern Nigeria.

The commission has also trained students in conflict-sensitive communication using the Do-No-Harm principle and worked closely with development partners who provided tools and resources. Additionally, hundreds of journalists in Kaduna are trained annually on fact-finding and combating misinformation both online and offline.

Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, a recipient of the United Nations International Interfaith Harmony Week Award 2022, highlighted the commission’s role in organizing local and international conferences on peacebuilding and interreligious tolerance. Dr. Buru described it as the backbone of peace organizations in Kaduna State and noted that he personally benefited from its lectures and symposiums.

Similarly, peace ambassador Comrade Alhaji Idris Musa from Kaduna South called on Governor Uba Sani to reinstate the commission, describing it as a unifying platform for all citizens.

The groups commended Governor Sani for ongoing development projects, including the provision of free buses and the renovation of all primary healthcare centers in the state, while urging him to reinstate the Kaduna State Peace Commission to further strengthen peace and harmony across Kaduna.