The Christian Clerics Forum or Peace and Conflict Mitigation, CCFPCM, has organized a peace workshop in Jalingo, the headquarters of Taraba state.
The workshop which took place at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat earlier this week has drawn christian religious clerics from different quarters for a resolution on peace and mutual respect across borders.
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion Rev. Dr. D. Y. Balutu of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) Mile 6 Jalingo said the objective of the workshop with all intents and purposes is on the right direction.
He said not only other parts of Nigeria but Taraba state is also facing challenges on peace that required coming together of believers to salvage the situation.
“The apostle Paul in Philippians 46-9 emphatically tells us that peace takes the place of worry. In the same vein, Christ gave us peace, so all believers have peace. John 14:27.” He added
“This body is an important instrument of transformation for our city, our country, by this body we want the the nation to be blessed through us.” Said the Quest Speaker at the occasion, Rev. Mails Isaac Odah.
Rev. Odah who formally inaugurated the body lamented the division of the Church along denomination line, adding that there’s so much gap between Christian clerics on one hand, and and members on the other.
“We pledge as a body to do all we can to take this body through the process of peace.” He said.
On his part, the President of the Forum Rev. (Dr.) Philemon Azara Saredau has called on the state government under Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku to look into the case of kidnapping and communal conflicts among various ethnic divide in the state, noting the worrisome nature of the Tiv/Jukun, Mambilla/Fulani, Kona/Fulani, Yandang/Fulani, Mumuye/Fulani and Shomo/Wurkum incessant conflicts.
“We advice the state government to set up Peace/ Conflict/ Reconciliation and Mitigation Commission to handle crises in the state to be manned by righteous religious leaders without political influence.” Rev. Philemon has said.
He further added that Communities living in mistrust should be sat on the drawing table to understand their grievances and attend to them where necessary especially the Tiv, Kuteb, Jukun, Fulani and Kona among others.
