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IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace
IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged government, private sector, security agencies, the media, as well as religious and traditional leaders to work together to strengthen peace in Nigeria.
The call was made at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Institute, celebrated alongside the 2025 International Day of Peace.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, said the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, underscores the urgency for collective action.
“The imperative to act now reflects the reality that peace cannot be deferred, delegated, or delayed. It requires immediate, sustained, and coordinated action from individuals, institutions, and nations,” Ochogwu stressed.
Reflecting on the institute’s achievements over the last 25 years, the DG highlighted IPCR’s role in training thousands of peace practitioners, mediators, and community leaders, as well as its interventions in communal disputes, electoral violence prevention, and religious reconciliation efforts.
“Our early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms have helped prevent the escalation of numerous potential conflicts, saving countless lives and preserving community harmony,” he noted.
Ochogwu also emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and civil society in tackling insecurity, banditry, and communal clashes across Nigeria.
“Government must prioritize conflict prevention, invest in peacebuilding infrastructure, and ensure that development policies are conflict-sensitive and inclusive,” he said.
The DG further called on the media to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting and use their platforms to amplify voices of peace and reconciliation, while urging religious and traditional leaders to leverage their influence to promote tolerance and understanding.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, IPCR outlined a series of activities, including interfaith prayer sessions, a “Sports for Peace and Mental Health Clinic,” and a peace walk followed by a commemorative lecture.
He emphasized that sustainable peace is deeply connected to individual wellbeing. To promote this, the organization is launching a “Sport for Peace and Mental Health” clinic a creative initiative combining physical activity with mental health support.
This approach not only helps address trauma and the physiological impacts of conflict but also fosters community healing through active engagement.
“Recognizing that peace begins with individual wellbeing, we are hosting a Sport for Peace and Mental Health Clinic that integrates physical activity with mental health support. This innovative approach acknowledges that sustainable peace requires addressing the physiological dimensions of conflict and trauma while promoting healthy community engagement through sport.”
Ochogwu concluded with a reminder of the institute’s long-term mission.
“Peace is both a destination and a journey. The past 25 years have shown that sustainable peace is possible when we act with determination and unity. The time for peace is always now.”
IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists after it successfully repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:23 p.m. on March 14 when troops of the 159 Battalion Nigerian Army, B Company, stationed in Kanama, were returning from a routine patrol.
.According to the sources, the troops were ambushed by suspected terrorists along the Longlari–Kanama road near Mairari village.
The troops engaged the terrorists with heavy fire and neutralized several of them forcing many of them fo flee.
Following the encounter, the soldiers conducted exploitation of the general area to track the fleeing insurgents.
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned in the strongest terms the explosion that occurred in some parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period beckons.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” said Zulum.
He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.
The Governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.
He called on residents to remain calm, go about their usual activities, and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies.
Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places
GOC 8 Division visits troops in Kebbi, urges vigilance in operations
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. PB Koughna, has conducted a familiarisation visit to troops deployed in parts of Kebbi State.
During the visit on March 15, the GOC inspected troops of CSI Battalion III at the Forward Operating Base Dirin Daji in Sakaba area of Zuru Local Government Area, as well as personnel of 223 Light Tank Battalion in the state.
The GOC was received by the Commanding Officers of the units, who briefed him on their operational activities and security situation within their areas of responsibility.
Addressing the troops, Maj. Gen. Koughna urged them to remain vigilant, committed and professional in the discharge of their duties.
He also held an operational meeting with the unit commanders, during which issues relating to ongoing operations and prevailing security challenges within their areas of responsibility were discussed.
The visit ended without incident.
GOC 8 Division visits troops in Kebbi, urges vigilance in operations
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places
GOC 8 Division visits troops in Kebbi, urges vigilance in operations
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