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IPCR, Others Insist All Hands Must Be On Deck to Minimize Conflicts in Nigeria
IPCR, Others Insist All Hands Must Be On Deck to Minimize Conflicts in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and other stakeholders in peace advocacy in Nigeria have said all hands must be on deck to minimize conflicts in Nigeria.
The stakeholders made the submission on Thursday in Abuja during a two-day stakeholders training in early warning response group (EWRG) to conflict resolution.
They said: “To minimize conflicts in our society, all hands must be on deck.”
While talking at the workshop, Deputy Director, Research National Conflict early warning and early response, who also double as coordinator partner project, Mr Steve Agbo said: “The essence of this project, is to enhance early warning, early response system in Nigeria to achieve sustainable peace in the country through conflict prevention, and to do that, the Institute as a peace promotion agency in Nigeria has carried out a research that indicated that lack of response is a major factor inhibiting the effectiveness of conflict early warning system in Nigeria, and has also a rollover effect on why Nigeria is having myriad of conflict across the country”.
He added that: “There is a need to establish this group that we are training today, the group called Early Warning response group is a mixture of security and non security response personnel from various agencies. We started the group in 2003 and today we have the group established at the state level in the nine selected states in Nigeria, that’s Benue, Nasarawa Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina and Kano”.
One of the participants at the training, a chief superintendent in NSCDC, Mr Oguntayo Olayinka said, “the training have help us to learn about the model on how to handle the conflict, which we were taught on how we can understand the interest indicator, the what that involved before you start the solution. So when you understand the needs and the interest of the individual, as a stakeholders, you will be able to analyze the conflict, very well, and to provide the next solution to it”.
The workshop had in attendance top-level security stakeholder representatives from the Directorate of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), The Nigeria Police (NPF), representatives from Ministry Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Moving forward, the training is expected to reach it targeted goal and formulate comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of conflicts while fostering cooperation and trust among all stakeholders.
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in partnership with Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigeria Early Response (PARTNER) together with United States Agency for international Development (USAID) organised the workshop.
Agbo said: As highlighted in the UN-World Bank report Pathways for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict, the number of violent conflicts has increased since 2010, thus raising the question of how violence and its escalation can be prevented. Conflict prevention mechanisms exist. And that is what is called, Early Warning and Response Systems (EWRS). Hence, the need for training to update those who are the key stakeholders involved in tackling the issue of conflict resolution using the modern technique and approach.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
Lent and Ramadan Tribute: To the Jagaban of Burgu and the Jagoran Arewa
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
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