Fantsuam Foundation is based at Bayan Loco, Kafanchan, Kaduna State. There is a history of election-related violence in Kaduna State, but the violence does not usually reach out to touch Fantsuam Foundation directly. This time it is different. The violence is local.

The political context

The Vanguard published this report on Post election riots in Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, Niger. There is a history of violence related to political and religious affiliation in Kaduna State in the cities of Jos and Kaduna. The situation is not as simple as it may seem - as demostrated in this interview with Major Abubakar Umar - described as one of the foremost social critics in the North. 

John Dada and Fantsuam Foundation

John Dada and Fantsuam Foundation (FF) are non-partisan and non-religious - working with, and for, everyone in the community, regardless of political affiliation, religious beliefs, ot tribal loyalties. John was alerted to the local outbreak of violence by hearing gun shots at 10.00pm  on  Monday April 18th and by lunch time on April 19th he had 200 people seeking help and shelter, and was also busy taking people with gunshot wounds to hospital. Forunately, among his many skills and talents, John is a trained nurse so would have been able to provide first aid.

Previous responee

During previous violence in Jos Fantsuam Foundation was offering support and counselling to women who had been caught up in the conflict.

Initial thoughts on ways forward

First thougths are that one of the ways to address the issues involved may be through the newly established Community Action Committees.

There may also be useful lessons to learn from the poset-election violence in Kenya and  the "Pyramid of Peace" initiative.

Death threats and feeding stations

In an email titled "No Stoppig" and sent on April 22nd John told us he had received death threats because he is helping people on both sides of the conflict. He shared his determination to continue helping and to work for long term solutions. On April 23rd he shared plans for immediate help by setting up feeding stations at two locations - one on each side of eh divide - but where will he find the resources to feed people? How can we help him? Who can help him find money for this project?

From what we know of John he will probably already be looking at raising money via a loan from the microfinance bank using his own home as security. His philosophy has alwasy been one of when there is a need - respond - "leap before you look" and if you land in a deep hole find someway to dig yourself out of it.

You can help

You can help by sharing news of what is going on and/or by making a donation  at http://www.dadamac.net/foundation