Establish community-based peace committees, Tinubu urges Northern traditional rulers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the creation of community-based security committees across rural areas in Northern Nigeria to strengthen peace and stability.

The President made the call through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC) General Assembly held at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Birnin Kebbi.

He said the committees would encourage dialogue, conflict resolution, and cooperation between communities, traditional leaders, and security agencies.

Speaking on the theme “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace in Northern Nigeria,” the President noted that the committees would also promote interfaith dialogue, build trust among religious groups, and reduce communal tensions.

Tinubu stressed the need to empower women and young people through education, economic opportunities, and leadership training to prevent violent extremism. He added that community participation in decision-making is essential for building trust and sustaining peace.

The President commended Governor Nasir Idris for his peacebuilding initiatives in Kebbi State and assured him of continued Federal Government support.

The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their role in maintaining peace and unity. He urged citizens to support security agencies and avoid making statements that could demoralise them, noting that insecurity is a global issue.

The Sultan also thanked Governor Idris and the people of Kebbi State for their hospitality, describing the state as a model of peace. He said the meeting was timely given the region’s security challenges, including banditry, Boko Haram, and ISWAP insurgency.

The Shehu of Borno emphasised the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers, communities, and government to sustain resilience and support ongoing military efforts.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, thanked Nigerians for their support and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace across the country.

Governor Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to the NTRC for choosing Kebbi as the host state. He described the theme as timely and pledged his administration’s continued support for traditional rulers, whom he called vital partners in promoting peace and unity.

Representatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the DSS also acknowledged the critical role traditional institutions play in achieving national peace and security.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE