Advocacy Network Wants Bauchi Gov’t Establish Interfaith Committee For Religious Harmony

 

BY KHALID IDRIS DOYA Bauchi

Bauchi Religious Advocacy Youth Network has called for the establishment of an Inter-Faith Dialogue Committee, and the formation of community peace committees across the state.

Making the plea during a advocacy visit by Bauchi Religious Advocacy Youth Network and Search for Common Ground to the commissioner, ministry of Religious Affairs and Societal Orientation, Hon. Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza yesterday in his office.

The network team lead, Garba Surama said that the committees should comprising respected religious leaders representing diverse faiths.

“We propose creating an Inter-Faith Dialogue Committee at the state level, with extensions to communities prone to tension, starting with Yelwa and Kudum. Comprising respected religious leaders representing diverse faiths”.

Surama explained that the committees should serve as a platform for dialogue, conflict prevention, and peaceful dispute resolution, as well as foster mutual understanding and trust among all the faith groups.

He submitted, “We recommend establishing Peace Community Committees in key areas, composed of youth representatives, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), local security committees, traditional leaders, and trade union representatives and religious leaders from diverse faiths”.

According to him, core responsibilities of the community peace committees included 
promoting peaceful coexistence and upholding FoRB, addressing polarization and division through community-driven solutions, while serving as a bridge between communities and formal security structures to foster trust and shared responsibility.

“Bauchi’s vibrant diversity is both its strength and its challenge. Recent incidents of intergroup clashes in Tafawa Balewa, Gudum, and Tsakani highlight the urgent need for robust and sustained interventions. Ensuring peaceful coexistence in these areas requires institutional structures that foster dialogue and collaboration”.

“Institutionalising dialogue and collaboration will mitigate tensions before they escalate into conflicts, promote social cohesion and inclusion, especially for marginalized groups and foster a peaceful environment conducive to development and progress for all citizens”.

Network expressed the believe that the realization of these proposals will significantly enhance efforts toward lasting peace and religious tolerance in Bauchi state, and called on the commissioner to take the lead in initiating these frameworks, beginning with Yelwa and Kudum as pilot communities. 

Surama told the commissioner, “Your leadership will leave an enduring legacy of peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding in Bauchi State. Together, we can create a society where freedom of religion and belief, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence are the foundation of our shared identity”.

Responding, the Bauchi Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza, pledged the state government’s readiness to cooperate and collaborate with Search for Common Ground to propel development.