The Rural Development Counsellor for Christian Churches in Africa (RURCON) has recorded significant strides in promoting peaceful coexistence across Plateau State through its ongoing “Faith Community for Peace” campaign—part of the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) project, supported by Tearfund and other global partners.
Over a two-day community-based review held from July 2 to 3, 2025, RURCON convened religious leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth from Corner Soldier, Zaruma, Dutsen Kura, and Rafiki communities to reflect on the journey toward lasting peace and tolerance.
Jos North Communities Reflect on Progress
On Day One, participants from Corner Soldier and Zaruma in Jos North LGA gathered at Goodlife Hotel to assess the impact of the JISRA project.
Mrs. Dinatu Ayizat, Executive Director of RURCON, described the initiative as transformative:
“For the first time, Muslims and Christians in these communities now interact freely. Women are stepping into leadership roles—one has even been elected community counselor.”
Elizabeth Onu, JISRA Project Officer, explained the campaign’s layered strategy, starting with intra-faith dialogue to resolve internal divisions before fostering interfaith unity.
“Many conflicts stem from value clashes. We helped them first heal within before reaching across,” she said.
Testimonies from both Christian and Muslim community members echoed similar sentiments.
Pastor Willson Nwadike of Zaruma commended the initiative for encouraging collaboration between religious and traditional leaders, while Aminu Isa, representing Muslim youth from Corner Soldier, noted increased youth participation in development activities.
Traditional leader Markus Sani Nyam, District Head of Hallnambu (Anaguta Chiefdom), added:
“These teachings have restored peaceful coexistence. We now understand how to live peacefully, regardless of tribe or faith.”
Day Two: Stories of Reconciliation in Bassa LGA
On July 3, the program moved to Rafiki and Dutsen Kura in Bassa LGA, where stories of interfaith collaboration and reconciliation took center stage.
Jibrin Isah, a religious leader in Dutsen Kura, shared how mistrust has turned into mutual respect:
“We now worship side by side. Our children go to the same schools and we clean our streets together.”
Women leaders like Maryam Abubakar and Blessing Ezekiel praised their growing inclusion in decision-making processes. Youth leader Jafaru Isah credited financial empowerment schemes like the Adashe savings initiative for helping youth establish businesses and turn away from drugs.
According to Elizabeth Onu, a remarkable shift is taking place:
“Even Imams are now involving women in religious discussions. Traditional leaders are allowing daughters to inherit family property. That’s real change.”
District Head Adik Adankala emphasized personal responsibility for peace:
“Peace starts with us—not with the President or the government.”
Sustaining Peace: Reflections and the Road Ahead
RURCON’s director, Mrs. Ayizat, reiterated that religious bias was a primary trigger of conflict in the affected communities.
“Today, Christians and Muslims not only coexist, they lead together. That’s real transformation.”
She highlighted the success of JISRA’s three-pillar approach: intra-faith dialogue, interfaith cooperation, and advocacy. With the first two yielding significant gains, focus now shifts to deepening advocacy and influencing policy.
Despite the achievements, some challenges remain. Musa Saleh warned about external forces attempting to destabilize peace, while others stressed the need for continued training to maintain progress.
The JISRA project, now in its fifth year, operates in Plateau and Kaduna States, including Zokuwa, Ayaga, and Gidan Waya in Southern Kaduna. As momentum builds, both RURCON and local leaders are calling for greater institutional support to consolidate these peacebuilding successes.
Imam Haruna Abubakar of Corner Soldier summed up the transformation:
“This project has restored what we lost—trust, dialogue, and unity. Now we celebrate each other’s festivals, pray together, and build together.”
