By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara, has dismissed allegations by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) accusing him of bias and obstruction of justice in handling recent security incidents in Southern Kaduna.
MACBAN, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdulhamid Musa Albarka, had urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to institute a judicial panel of inquiry into the killings in Southern Kaduna and overhaul the operations of security formations, particularly Operation Safe Haven, which oversees peacekeeping in the area.
The association also appealed to Governor Uba Sani to suspend Dogara, accusing him of promoting ethnic hostility and undermining peace efforts in the council area.
Reacting on Tuesday, Dogara described the allegations as false, malicious, and capable of inciting tension, insisting that his administration remains fully committed to Governor Uba Sani’s peace, unity, and reconciliation agenda.
“Our focus as a council is to strengthen peaceful coexistence among all communities in Jema’a. We have worked closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, and youth groups to sustain the peace we’ve built,” Dogara said.
He commended Governor Uba Sani’s leadership in uniting the state, saying, “We are committed to supporting his peace agenda. No amount of propaganda or blackmail will distract us from that responsibility.”
Dogara said his administration had prioritized conflict prevention and community engagement since assuming office, leading to a notable reduction in violent clashes in the area.
“I have held several peace dialogues with the MACBAN leadership in Jema’a on ways to prevent the recurrence of such ugly incidents.
The council also visited affected families and convened peace meetings with stakeholders, including the Fulani and other ethnic groups, where all parties resolved to live in peace,” he added.
He described MACBAN’s statement as “unfortunate and inflammatory,” warning that such comments could jeopardize the fragile peace being enjoyed in the area.
Dogara reaffirmed his commitment to justice, inclusiveness, and fairness in administering the local government, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation.
According to him, the council has been working closely with security agencies under Operation Safe Haven, local vigilantes, and traditional institutions to strengthen early warning and rapid response systems in rural communities.
“Our security meetings are open to all stakeholders. We’ve worked hard to rebuild trust between communities and ensure that everyone feels protected,” he said.
Southern Kaduna, particularly Jema’a, Kaura, Sanga, Kauru, and Zangon Kataf LGAs, has witnessed recurring attacks and reprisals over the years. However, the situation has improved in recent times following Governor Uba Sani’s sustained peace efforts and direct engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups.
Governor Uba Sani has repeatedly cautioned community leaders and organizations against making divisive or inciting statements, warning that such utterances could endanger the fragile peace in parts of Southern Kaduna.
“Peace in Kaduna State is non-negotiable,” the governor said at a recent security summit in Kafanchan.
“We must guard our words and actions carefully because rebuilding trust among our people takes time and sincerity.”
Dogara pledged that his council would continue to align with the governor’s directive, stressing that development and security can only thrive when communities coexist peacefully.
