A pivotal Town Hall Meeting was held at the JPRM/POCC Conference Hall in Lamingo, focusing on “Community Collaboration for Peace: Strengthening Security Partnerships and Promoting Religious Freedom.”
The Program was part of the Justice Peace and Reconciliation Movement (JPRM) project activities under the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action JISRA and brought together various local security actors, including community vigilantes, neighborhood watch groups, and the Hunters’ Association, to discuss their roles in fostering peace and safeguarding religious freedoms within their communities.
Mrs. Nemi Stephen, Program Manager at JPRM, in her opening remarks outlined JISRA objectives and emphasized the critical role of grassroots security actors in promoting religious freedoms and ensuring community safety. Nemi pointed out that these local security groups interact with community members daily, addressing security challenges and fostering peaceful coexistence.
The facilitator, Boniface Kaza Anthony, a Program Manager at the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission, underscored the indispensable role of community vigilantes and hunters. He highlighted that these individuals are often the first responders to security incidents, acting swiftly and selflessly to protect their neighbors. Anthony contrasted their immediate responsiveness with the delayed reactions of conventional security forces, who are often hindered by bureaucratic processes and resource limitations.
Despite their crucial contributions, Anthony lamented the lack of formal support and recognition for community vigilantes and hunters from both the government and civil society. This neglect, he argued, can lead to feelings of abandonment and demoralization, particularly given the economic hardships these volunteers face. Anthony called for greater advocacy to secure legal and policy frameworks that would empower these grassroots security actors. He suggested that even minimal financial support from the government, such as a monthly stipend, could significantly boost their effectiveness and morale.
Anthony also praised the interfaith collaboration between Muslim and Christian community security groups, highlighting their mutual support during religious festivities like Salah, Christmas, and Easter. He noted that such cooperation sets a powerful example of unity and mutual respect. However, he acknowledged that stereotypes and biases persist, underscoring the need for platforms like the Town Hall Meeting to facilitate dialogue and address these issues.
Mallam Umar Farouq Musa, the State Project Officer for Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State spoke about the importance of community vigilantes in promoting freedom of religion and belief. He commended JPRM for recognizing the essential role of these groups in their initiatives, noting that their involvement is crucial for achieving the objectives of the JISRA project. Mallam Farouq emphasized the need to empower local security actors, who often possess the potential to make significant contributions to community security and cohesion but are frequently overlooked.
He also addressed the challenges faced by religious minorities, stressing that community vigilantes play a vital role in ensuring these minorities feel safe and included. He advocated for increased awareness and education among vigilantes regarding the rights and needs of religious minorities, promoting a more inclusive approach to community security.
The event featured a panel discussion that delved into the roles of security actors in fostering religious freedom. Participants shared insights into the challenges and best practices in community security efforts, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and collaboration between different religious groups.
An interactive Question and Answer session allowed participants to share their experiences and contributions, leading to a rich exchange of ideas and strategies to improve community security. A WhatsApp group was created to facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration among the attendees.
The Town Hall Meeting concluded with group pictures, capturing the spirit of unity and collaboration among the diverse participants. The event underscored the importance of continuous support and recognition for grassroots security actors, emphasizing their vital role in maintaining peace and security at the community level. The discussions and outcomes from this meeting are expected to pave the way for stronger security partnerships and a more inclusive approach to religious freedom in Plateau State.
