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WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding 

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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.”
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WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding 

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Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation

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Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forced have neutralised two suspected notorious bandits during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola that the operation followed credible intelligence received on Tuesday at about 1:00 p.m.

The report indicated that a criminal gang led by one Senen Hemen, also known as Orpa, was sighted along the pipeline axis between Gbeji and Igbongom communities in Ukum.

According to the sources, security forces were promptly mobilised to the location, where the gang engaged the operatives in a gun duel.

During the exchange, Hemen and another gang member identified as Mzungweve Ichur, both from Igbongom, were shot dead, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries.

The sources confirmed that the corpses of the two suspects had been recovered and deposited at a private mortuary in Gbeji, while a manhunt had been launched in the surrounding bushes to track the fleeing accomplices.

The sources assured residents that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid Ukum and adjoining areas of violent criminal gangs.

Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation

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Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community

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Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen have abducted a worshipper from a mosque in Gbonkan Village, Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

Sources said that the victim, identified as Amadu Usman, was kidnapped on Monday night while praying at the mosque alongside his elder brother, Adamu Usman.

The sources said seven armed men invaded the mosque at about 9 p.m. and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.

The sources said that a joint team of security forces, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters had since launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing surrounding bushes to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.

Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community

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Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina

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Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Police, Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes, have repelled a bandit attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Sources said that the incident happened on Tuesday evening when armed bandits launched an attack on a hunters’ camp in Naalma village.

According to the sources, the troops and other security operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw.

“During the operation, Usman Lawal, 35, the Commander of the Hunters’ group, sustained fatal injuries. One of the bandits was neutralised while the rifle earlier seized from the hunters’ commander was recovered.

“Other fleeing bandits are suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops are currently conducting cordon-and-search operations within the area,”said the sources.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina

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