IPCR Moves to Check Against Outbreak of Conflicts in FCT

By: Michael Mike

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has moved to check against the break up of conflicts within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with the establishment of community conflict resilience mechanism in part of the city.

This mechanism which is to be further spread to many communities in the FCT, has been set up in Hwagwa/Deidei and Kurudu/Kpegi in Abuja Metropolitan Area Council (AMAC).

The IPCR in a statement on Thursday said: “As the dynamics and patterns of conflicts in the FCT is changing with the increasing influx of people into the territory, it is imperative to create and enhance exciting peace structures in order to strengthen territory’s conflict resilience.

“Consequently, the institute began the establishment of community conflict resilience mechanism in communities in FCT beginning from Hwagwa/Deidei and Kurudu/Kpegi in AMAC In FCT.

“It was based on this reality that the National Conflict Early Warning/Early Response System Unit of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) conducted a Stakeholders Mapping, Conflict Indicators and Gender Assessment Monday in Gwagwa/Deidei Communities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

Speaking on the mechanism at an event, Director General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who was represented by Head of Unit, National Early Warning Early Response System, Mr. Steve Agbo inaugurated the stakeholders.

Ochogwu said the relative security in Abuja is not an excuse to drop our guards this he empasized need for proactive action that would involve the FCT residents. He noted that establishment of the Community-Based Conflict Early Warning Early Response System (CB-CEWERS) in the communities is to encourage local ownership and community participation in conflict early warning system.

He said that the primary objective of the assessment is to acquire profound insights into conflict context of communities in the FCT and the role residents in ensuring sustainable peace in their communities.

He explained that Conflict Early Warning Response System refers to the sum processes of indicator monitoring and Conflict prevention through effective Response action.

Responding, the Chief Iman of Gwagwa/Deidei Community, Ismala Bala who thanked the institute for this initiative stressed the importance of addressing issues at their early stage.

He also expressed gratitude to IPCR for setting up a mechanism in promoting peaceful living in their communities and Federal Capital Territory as a whole and advised parents to train their children in a way that will make them good citizens.

Also speaking, Youth Leader of the communities, Ibrahim Abdulam who welcomed the delegates promised to put effort in making the Community Base Conflict Early Warning Response System successful and sustainable.

IPCR Moves to Check Against Outbreak of Conflicts in FCT