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Stakeholders Insist Failure of Governance at Community Level Responsible for Terrorism, Banditry
Stakeholders Insist Failure of Governance at Community Level Responsible for Terrorism, Banditry
By: Michael Mike
The explosion of terrorism and banditry in the country has been traced to failure of governance especially at the community level, which is the closest to every citizenry.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Community of Practice for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge, Innovation, and Resources in Abuja, the Chairman of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism Network, Jaye Gaskia described violent extremism as a “governance challenge” rather security matter.
This event is an integral part of a process, aimed at fostering a more strategic and structural approach and relationship between Knowledge and Practice, named Inaugural Conference Of A Preventing And Countering Violent Extremism Community Of Practice (PCVE CoP), driven by a PCVE Knowledge Innovation And Resource Hub (KIRH); under the Overarching Theme of – Reflecting On The Implementation Of The PCVE PFNAP (Policy Framework And National Action Plan).
Gaskia said: “Governance failures, is not just security issues, but lie at the heart of violent extremism in Nigeria,” insisting that: “Extremism doesn’t thrive in places with good governance, inclusion, and representation.”
He lamented that many Nigerian communities are effectively “ungoverned spaces,” relying on informal self-governance structures like community development associations, which lack formal authority.
He called for the empowerment of these local institutions to bridge governance gaps and drive sustainable solutions.
Gaskia noted that “Communities must be at the forefront of finding and implementing solutions to violent extremism,” adding that addressing governance challenges would mitigate the conditions that allow extremism to thrive.
Also at the event, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka highlighted the importance of youth and women-focused programmes like the Young Peacebuilders Network, which have fostered alternative pathways and strengthened community-driven peacebuilding.
He said: “Capacity-building initiatives have bolstered the skills of law enforcement, community leaders, and other stakeholders.”
However, he noted that persistent challenges, including limited resources, socioeconomic inequalities, and extremists’ exploitation of digital platforms for recruitment and propaganda.
Laka, who was represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at the Centre, Commodore Ahmed Abubakarr Madaki,
emphasized the need for grassroots ownership of counter-extremism initiatives, stating that: “Adopting local ownership through participatory planning and budgeting at state and community levels, alongside strengthened capacity-building for state actors, will ensure sustainable progress.”
He also called for deeper collaboration with international organisations, academia, and the private sector to provide additional resources and expertise.
Reacting to a report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which revealed that N2.3 trillion was paid as ransom in Nigeria in one year, Ms. Yetunde Adegoke, National Coordinator of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, described the situation as alarming.
She said: “We’ve been monitoring the growing problem and are aware of the scale.”
She however noted that: “The government is aware and has advised scaling up community resilience programmes.”
Adegoke also underscored the importance of “non-kinetic” approaches to complement military efforts.
“Once insurgents surrender, we must ensure there are opportunities for reintegration and contributions to national development.”
On her part, Deputy Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Suwaiba Dankabo,, stressed the importance of consistent evaluation of strategies to ensure progress in peacebuilding.
She said: “We need to reflect on what has worked and what hasn’t to address the issues undermining peace in Nigeria.”
Stakeholders Insist Failure of Governance at Community Level Responsible for Terrorism, Banditry
News
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
By: Our Reporter
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has donated soap-making machines and office furniture to the Borno State Government as part of its efforts to empower Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through vocational training and livelihood support.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, received the items during an official handover ceremony at the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri.
The donation, which includes two sets of soap-making machines equipped with mixers, crushers, driers, extruders, and tables, as well as 30 chairs and office furniture to replace items damaged by recent floods, reflects UNHCR’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in crisis-affected areas.
Speaking during the event, the Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri, Nicholas Kaburaburyo, emphasized the organization’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with the government and the Ministry of Education. He highlighted UNHCR’s role in facilitating the repatriation, resettlement, and livelihood reintegration of returnees, particularly through vocational training programs.
Engr. Wakilbe commended UNHCR for its unwavering support, noting that the donation aligns with the state government’s resettlement and empowerment initiatives. He revealed that nine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in Borno are actively training IDPs, with the vision of transforming the state into a hub for skilled artisans.
The Commissioner also directed the Director of Science and Technology to commence training for master trainers at the Borno State Vocational Enterprise Institute (BOSVEI) in Muna, with the goal of launching the IDP training program by January 2025.
Zakaria Ahmed, Coordinator of BOSVEI Muna, and Ali Musa, Director of Administration and Supplies in the Ministry of Education, expressed their gratitude to UNHCR. They acknowledged that the donation would significantly enhance vocational training opportunities for IDPs and improve working conditions within the ministry.
This initiative underscores UNHCR’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and fostering sustainable development in Borno State. Through such efforts, the organization continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by conflict and disaster.
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, recently visited Bokkos council Area to engage with stakeholders, discuss peace building strategies and find possible ways to eliminate all threats to peace and security in the area.
The meeting which was attended by council Chairman, Amalau Samuel and his Management Team, as well as Community/Religious Leaders, Youth/Women Leaders, and Security Help Groups arrived at silent resolutions for the peace to remain intact during the yuletide period.
A statement from the police spokesman Alfred Alabo stated that during the meeting, discussions focused on salient issues such as the incessant attacks, farmer/herder clashes, and cattle/animal rustling in the council area.
The release noted that the stakeholders expressed their concerns over the rising levels of insecurity within the area even as they pleaded with the Commissioner of Police to help them ensure peace and calmness within the area.
The stake holders also pledged their support and cooperation to the Police in their efforts to enhance security and ensure the safety of residents in Bokkos area.
“They also agreed to work together through intelligence sharing, to identify and address the root causes of the security challenges facing some communities in the LGA.
“CP Adesina assured the stakeholders of his Command’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in Bokkos council area emphasizing the need for collaboration and information sharing between the Police and the community, to effectively combat crime and maintain peace in the area.
“He further assured them that efforts are being made to deploy additional manpower and logistics to major flashpoints within the area, to forestall any future threats.
“Chairman, Amalau Samuel while responding thanked the CP for his unflinching commitment towards attending to their needs and ensuring that Bokkos council area is peaceful and safe for all to live in.
“He assured the CP that the council Area under his watch will continue to support the Police, untill all criminal elements are flushed out.
“The chair warned all those who intend to cause mayhem especially during this festive period, to desist from such plans, as his administration will not fold it’s hand and watch them destroy the fragile peace currently being enjoyed.
“The Plateau State Police Command remains dedicated to its mandate of protecting lives and property in the state.” Noted the release.
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare
By: Zagazola Makama
A deadly clash of supremacy between rival terrorist factions has claimed the lives of 15 Boko Haram fighters, with five Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members sustaining injuries.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the confrontation occurred when ISWAP launched a coordinated attack on Boko Haram fighters loyal to the Bakura Buduma faction.
The assault, aimed at asserting dominance, led to significant losses on the Boko Haram side, with ISWAP fighters seizing an undisclosed number of weapons during the confrontation.
The incident marks the latest in a series of violent infightings between the two groups, which have been engaged in a bitter rivalry over resources, territorial control, and influence in the Lake Chad region.
Sources said that the clashes have intensified in recent months as both groups seek to expand their foothold in the area with the Boko Haram faction already gaining upper hand against the ISWAP.
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare
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