The Catholic Diocese of Wukari in Taraba State has urged Governor Agbu Kefas to introduce Peace Education into the school curriculum at all levels to curb persistent violence across the state.
In a communique issued on Tuesday at the conclusion of its Second General Assembly, the Diocese emphasized the need for education and dialogue to address the growing insecurity in Southern Taraba.
The document, signed by Bishop Mark Nzukwein and Rev. Fr. Simon Akurega, the Chancellor of the Diocese, attributed much of the violence to ignorance and called for proactive measures to foster understanding and harmony.
The church also called for the establishment of interfaith peace committees comprising Christians, Muslims, and adherents of African Traditional Religion to facilitate dialogue and conflict resolution.
Additionally, the Diocese recommended grassroots peace initiatives involving traditional rulers, youths, and other stakeholders through peace campaigns, town hall meetings, and workshops to promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
Highlighting the importance of justice in maintaining peace, the Diocese urged the state government to ensure equitable resource distribution and take concrete steps toward resolving the root causes of conflict.
It also called on authorities to facilitate the return and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) while providing adequate security for them.
Another key demand in the communique was the return of Catholic schools previously taken over by the government. The Diocese argued that these schools function best under Church management, ensuring both academic excellence and moral discipline.
“Catholic schools in Taraba State exemplify quality education by integrating academic excellence with moral discipline. These institutions foster an environment that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical values, and community service, preparing students to be responsible and compassionate citizens,” the communique stated.
The Church expressed concerns that government control had negatively impacted the quality of education in Nigeria and called for a collaborative approach between the state and the Church to enhance educational standards. It urged the government to support the upgrading of school facilities and restore Church management of Catholic schools.
Furthermore, the Diocese stressed the need for the government to prioritize social justice and equity by ensuring the safe return of displaced persons, particularly in Southern Taraba. The communique also called for decisive political action to end conflicts and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, social class, or political affiliation.