In a significant development towards enhancing a peaceful coexistence among communities in Plateau state, The Justice Peace and Reconciliation Movement (JPRM) has engaged Community Vigilante, Community Neighborhood Watch and the Hunters’ Association to strengthen security partnerships, promote religious freedom, and create communal collaboration for peace.
The Program was part of the Justice Peace and Reconciliation Movement (JPRM) project activities under the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA). The JISRA project is structured to ensure comprehensive community inclusion, ensuring no group is left behind.
Mrs. Nemi Stephen, The Program Manager for JISRA explained that the project also involves security personnel as a stakeholder to creating value-added activities that address issues derailing peaceful coexistence among faith in some community within Jos North and Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Emphasizing the role of security personnel as a critical stakeholders for peace building in communities, Mrs Nemi Stephen highlighted that the project also aims to improve unity between different religious groups within the community.
By targeting youth and involving them in shared activities, the project seeks to bridge religious divides and promote coexistence and mutual understanding.
Mr Boniface Anthony, The Program Manager for Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) emphasized the global challenges of freedom of religion, highlighting the lack of training among public officials and community leaders, and political and social pressures that stifle religious expression and contribute to societal divisions.
Religious freedom initiatives face challenges due to limited budgets, inadequate legal frameworks, and communication barriers, which can hinder meaningful change and hinder effective dialogue with religious minorities.
Anthony proposes strategic solutions to manage religious diversity, including enhanced training programs, community engagement, and prioritizing resource allocation for religious freedom initiatives, to foster mutual understanding and respect.
Advocating for policy reforms, improving coordination, building trust, and promoting cultural understanding through education and outreach are crucial strategies for creating robust legal protections for all religious groups.
Mr. Anthony advocates for overcoming religious barriers through collaborative efforts, respect, understanding, and human rights commitment, ensuring freedom of religion and belief.
Mallam Umar Faruk Musa, the state project officer for Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), elaborated on the significance of community vigilantes in promoting freedom of religion and belief through their security efforts.
He emphasized that community vigilante groups are essential stakeholders in achieving the objectives of the Jisra project. He highlighted the unique focus of the JISRA project, noting that it is the only organization implementing such an initiative with this perspective.
During a workshop, Musa conveyed the importance of community vigilantes by helping them recognize their inherent potential within the scope of their operations.
He stressed that security is now a fundamental aspect of human life, and personal security awareness is crucial.
Musa urged for more support for grassroots security outfits from communities and government entities, noting that these groups have often been overlooked.
He stressed that increased focus and support for community vigilantes could significantly enhance security consciousness and efforts at all levels.
