Bauchi and Gombe on Same path to Sustainable Peace

Central area of Bauchi, a state in peace

Bauchi State Secretariat- all calm

Gombe- People passing by the police station on Emir's drive- life as usual

Another shot of a normal day on Emir's drive, Gombe

Bauchi and Gombe on same Path to Sustainable Peace

Civil society organizations in Bauchi and Gombe states are playing proactive roles in ensuring sustainable peace in their respective states. In Bauchi the Muslim-Christian Peace movement is at the fore front of organizing dialogues and media chats on promotion of peace. It collaborates with other organizations and government to identify possible conflict issues and areas towards nipping them in the bud. The Coordinator of the movement, Aminu Garba Sidi says “we have not had any violent conflict for more than a year, and we shall not have any again, insha Allah!”

In Gombe there is also a similar Muslim and Christian forum working for peace. At the same time individual organizations such as Muslim Students Society (MSS), National Council for Muslim youth organizations (NACOMYO), the Integrity Consultative Forum and Islamic Medical Association (IMAN) among others are also pursuing various peace initiatives through leadership trainings and empowerment of youths. Nasir Aliyu, the Vice Amir of the MSS says “Peace is important to development and we are lucky here in Gombe we are at peace, we have had very few cases of violence and we pray it remains that way”

However a number of youths in both states blame politics for the few cases of violence witnessed in the states. “Apart from the bank and police station attacks by suspected ‘boko haram’ members, who come into the state just to carry out their acts and leave, all other conflicts were caused by politicians and we will soon check them” a youth at a notorious area of Bauchi called “Bayan Gari” said.

Another youth in Gombe claims that “all these talk about security is politics, after the 2015 elections you will not hear it again”