By joshua HARMONY, PEACE AND UNITY – “PEACE IS NOT AN ACCIDENT, IT IS PROTECTED”
AUTHOR: Amb. Hon. Abdulsalam Bawa DANGANA
POSITION: Technical Adviser, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Kogi State Command
DATE: 14th July, 2026
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report reviews the position paper titled: “Harmony, Peace and Unity – Peace is Not an Accident, It is Protected” by Amb. Hon. Abdulsalam Bawa DANGANA, Technical Adviser to CJTF Kogi State Command.
The central thesis of the publication is that sustainable development, economic growth, and social cohesion can only thrive in an environment where peace and security are deliberately protected. The author emphasizes that peace is not passive or automatic; it requires conscious effort, institutional support, community participation, and the protection of lives and property.
The paper connects national values of harmony and unity to grassroots realities: the safety of farmers, traders, and school children. It concludes with a call for collective support of all security-strengthening initiatives across state and national levels.
2.0 KEY THEMES AND ANALYSIS
2.1 Harmony as a Prerequisite for Development
The author defines a peaceful community as one that “lives in harmony and is united for the development of her citizens.” This aligns with global development frameworks which identify peace and social cohesion as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16 targets.
Review: The linkage between harmony and development is valid. In Kogi State, communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, and insecurity have historically disrupted markets, schools, and farming cycles. Unity therefore, becomes an economic and social asset.
2.2 The Human Face of Security
The report humanizes security by outlining three critical groups:
1. Farmers: “deserve to return home safely” – speaks to the reality of attacks on farmlands in Kogi Central, Kogi East and Kogi West.
2. Traders: “deserve to close shop without fear” reflects concerns of market men and women regarding theft, extortion, and unrest.
3. Children: “deserve to learn in peace” addresses school closures and fear of abductions that affect learning outcomes.
Review: By grounding policy in lived experiences, the author makes security relatable and urgent for ordinary citizens.
2.3 Peace as a Deliberate Act, Not an Accident
The headline statement, “Peace is not an accident, it is protected” is the core message.
Review: This reframes peace from being assumed to being actively built. It implies responsibility for government, security agencies, community leaders, and citizens. It justifies investment in security architecture, intelligence, and community policing.
2.4 Call for Institutional and Community Support
The author urges continued support for “initiatives at all levels that strengthen the security architecture of states and nation.”
Review: This is consistent with current national discourse on State Police, Community Policing, and Multi-Agency collaboration. It recognizes that security is a shared responsibility and that development cannot flourish where lives and property are not valued.
3.0 RELEVANCE TO CURRENT CONTEXT – KOGI STATE AND NIGERIA
1. Agriculture and Food Security: With new farmland allocations to cooperatives in Kogi State, farmer safety is directly tied to food production targets.
2. Economic Activity: Safe markets in Kabba, Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Okene, Ayingba and Idah are critical for internally generated revenue (IGR) and livelihoods.
3. Education: Ensuring children learn without fear is key to breaking cycles of poverty and radicalization.
4. CJTF Role: As a community-based security structure, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) embodies the principle that citizens must be part of protecting peace.
4.0 STRENGTHS OF THE PUBLICATION
1. Clarity of Message: Simple, direct language that resonates at grassroots level.
2. People-Centered: Focuses on farmers, traders, and children – the majority population.
3. Patriotic and Unifying Tone: Promotes harmony over division.
4. Action-Oriented: Moves beyond rhetoric to a call for support of security initiatives.
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the review, the following actions are recommended to give practical effect to the message:
1. Government: Increase budgetary allocation and logistics support to community security outfits like Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).
2. Traditional and Community Leaders: Intensify peace advocacy and early warning systems in all Local Government Areas.
3. Civil Society and Cooperatives: Integrate peace education into farmer and trader association meetings.
4. Security Agencies: Strengthen civil-military relations to build trust and intelligence sharing.
5. Citizens: Report suspicious activities and reject narratives that promote division along ethnic or religious lines.
6.0 CONCLUSION
The publication by Amb. Hon. Abdulsalam Bawa DANGANA is timely and strategic. It correctly identifies peace as the foundation of development and unity as the fuel for progress.
The assertion that “Peace is not an accident, it is protected” should serve as a guiding principle for policymakers, security agencies, and communities in Kogi State and across Nigeria.
A harmonious, peaceful, and united Nigeria is achievable only when we collectively commit to protecting lives, property, and the dignity of every citizen.
Report Compiled by:
Office of the Technical Adviser,
Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Kogi State Command.
© 14th July, 2026