SW News: In Nigeria, which is reeling from a spurt in abductions for ransom and persecution of Christians by armed outfits, a women’s interfaith organization is doing yeoman service to promote reconciliation and peace. The efforts of the Women’s Interfaith Council (WIC) to promote peace and reconciliation have been feted with the Aachen Peace Prize for its commendable work among victims of persecution in the state of Kaduna.

The organization that comprises hundreds of Christian and Muslim women works tirelessly to defuse the crisis in the state that witnesses frequent attacks on Christian communities by armed Muslim herdsmen and bandits. Founded in 2010, members of the organization visit victims of violence and their families, providing them with support. It also organizes vocational training for women and young people.

Established in 1988 in Germany, the Aachen Peace Prize is given to people for outstanding work to create peace and understanding between communities. It carries with it a purse of 2,000 euros. The prize is supported by an association of 50 Churches, trade unions and 350 private individuals.

In the state of Kaduna, almost 60 per cent of the population is Muslim and the rest is Christian. Since the rise of Islamist insurgency, the state has witnessed numerous massacres and mass kidnappings.