Yayale hails Gov Bala Mohammed over creation of Zaar Chiefdom, calls for lasting peace in Tafawa Balewa

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Former head of service of the federation and Secretary to the government of the federation ,  Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, has commended Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for creating the Zaar Chiefdom, describing it as a significant step towards addressing the longstanding demand of the Zaar people.

Ahmed, who was Chairman of the 2026 LHMB Zaar Cultural Festival held in Tafawa Balewa town, on Saturday, made the commendation while addressing the people of the area and dignitaries, including Governor Mohammed, who attended the event.

He congratulated the Zaar people on the establishment of the chiefdom and urged the newly installed traditional ruler and members of the community to work towards sustaining peace and peaceful coexistence in the area.

The former SGF expressed optimism over the gradual return of peace to Tafawa Balewa, which has experienced years of intercommunal tensions, clashes, loss of lives and destruction of property.

Yayale, who also a minister of defence, called on the Zaar people to use the opportunity provided by the creation of the chiefdom to strengthen reconciliation and rebuild relationships with neighbouring ethnic groups.

Ahmed also appealed to the people of Tafawa Balewa, including the Zaar, Fulani, Hausa, Jarawa, Kanuri and other communities, to embrace dialogue, forgiveness and mutual understanding.

He stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved by government intervention alone, noting that while government could provide security and create an enabling environment, communities themselves must take responsibility for building peace.

“Peace is not a gift from government. Government can create achievement, government can deploy security, but only communities can create peace,” he said.

He further urged the Zaar community to extend a hand of fellowship to their neighbours, stressing that the greatness of a people should be measured not by the battles they win but by the reconciliations they achieve.

Ahmed expressed confidence that Tafawa Balewa could regain its historical importance as a centre of accommodation, tolerance, tourism and peaceful coexistence.

He urged the new traditional ruler and other stakeholders to make the 2026 Zaar Cultural Festival a turning point in the community’s history by ensuring that the celebration of their cultural identity goes hand in hand with a renewed commitment to peace.

He said the festival should be remembered not only for its colourful cultural displays but also as an occasion when the Zaar people embraced reconciliation and peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.