News
WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding
WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding
By: Michael Mike
The West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), has called on the government and relevant authorities in the West Africa region, and the Lake Chad basin to invest in peacebuilding as a means to tackle conflict.
The organisation made the call on Monday, at the beginning of a 3-day training workshop on conflict prevention, violent extremism, Crisis management and peacebuilding, in Abuja. This was organized by the Research and Action for Peace Network (REcAP Network), and implemented by WANEP, in partnership with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC),with funding from the European Union (EU).
The project seeks to establish a sustainable, more inclusive, and effective regional network of experts specialised in peacebuilding, the prevention of conflicts and violent extremism in 18 countries in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin to act as an interactive platform for regional cooperation.
Regional Coordinator, Research and Capacity Building WANEP-Regional, Festus Kofi Aubyn, during his presentation on ‘conflict and conflict prevention,’ noted that for every conflict experienced in an environment, there have been early warning signs neglected by the authorities.
According to Aubyn, situations that lead to conflict are escalated because relevant authorities do not make concerted efforts to tackle immediate actions that result in conflict.
He noted that Peacebuilding is not a one off event as warring parties should be allowed to air their perspectives and then settle for a compromise as this leads to the building of relationship which is important in resolving conflict.While also advocating for preventive mechanisms .
He said, “conflict prevention is very key. We do not have to always be preventive but proactive. This is to ensure that conflict does not start in the first place.”
Proffering solutions to crisis management and Peacebuilding, Aubyn urged the use of systematic, direct, and structural methods noting, conflicts are dynamic and various individual perspectives need to be carried along.
“Poverty and employment can be causes of conflict in the society if not tackled in a long period, but can not be resolved through direct or systematic means of prevention. But a structural means of prevention can be applied as this is a process that takes a longer time to properly address conflicting issues.
“The aim is to reduce violence as well as addressing the root causes of the violence. It is for a longer term. It involves a wider range of issues and actors, he said.
The Nigeria National Network Coordinator WANEP, Dr. Bridget Osakwe on her part noted that, resources do not create conflict except there is a deliberate intention to use it. Adding, resources are enough to go round but not enough to settle the greed of many.
Osakwe highlighted the need for conflict analysis in peacebuilding, noting the strategy deployed in bringing conflict to an end is only as good as the analysis carried out else, it will not yield positive results.
Speaking further she emphasised that, individuals mistake peacebuilding and peacekeeping to mean the same process, noting the later occurs when war is in place and the use of military force is implied.
She underscored the need for the government to provide basic amenities for the citizens, especially those at the rural areas, stating these individuals only demand for their rights, which according to her is not difficult to achieve.
She said, “violent extremism strives in ungoverned spaces. In the NorthEast terrorism was easy to penetrate because they provided the locals with their basic needs.
“Items as little as wheelbarrows were distributed to locals and this for a long period enhanced local support for the terrorists actions.”
Ends
WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding
News
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police have reportedly arrested four suspected kidnappers and their informants following the abduction of ten persons between Koso Likoro and Soba villages in Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger State.
Sources said the suspects were traced to a hideout around Ibbi Forest, where a joint operation led to the arrest of Sanda Dan, Mallam Wantau, and Atiku.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed and implicated Buba Maiyara, Mantile Alh Majo, and Bilya Musa Baushe, all from Koso village, as their accomplices.
In a subsequent operation, Manu Malami Shehu Maiyara was also arrested and admitted that his son, Buba Maiyara, together with his associates, were responsible for the abductions and cattle rustling in the area.
Sources said that the case remains under investigation.
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
Crime
Armed bandits attack Kwandawa village in Sokoto, most kidnapped victims rescued
Armed bandits attack Kwandawa village in Sokoto, most kidnapped victims rescued
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits attacked Kwandawa village in Sokoto State in the early hours of November 26, kidnapping several residents, but most of the victims were rescued unharmed.
Zagazola report that the assailants, described as numerous and carrying sophisticated weapons, invaded the village around 2:30 a.m., firing sporadically and abducting an unspecified number of people.
A coordinated response engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun duel, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes with apparent gunshot injuries.
While the majority of the kidnapped villagers were rescued unhurt, two victims remain unaccounted for. No casualties were reported among the villagers or the responding security personnel.
Security forces are combing the surrounding area to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the bandits, with neighboring districts alerted to block potential escape routes.
Armed bandits attack Kwandawa village in Sokoto, most kidnapped victims rescued
Crime
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A vigilante member was shot dead on Wednesday during an attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters at a vigilante camp in Kanamma town, Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred at about 1839 hours when the assailants stormed the camp, opening fire on the victims.
The deceased, identified as Dauda Bamai, 35, of Kanamma, was pronounced dead by a medical doctor in Kanamma.
Security forces have intensified monitoring and patrols in the area to track down the attackers.
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
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