The Chairman Senate committee on EFCC and Anti-Corruption,Senator {Barr} Emmanuel Memga Udende,made the call during a Two-Day Peace summit Organised by Sankera Staff FORUM of the Benue State University, Catholic Diocese Of Katsina-Ala and College Of Education, Katsina-Ala from 11TH-12TH July,2024.
According to Senator Udende, the Kinetic approach adopted by the government were still good though less effective,he suggested Non-Kinetic approaches to be adopted.
Sen.Udende said,over the years, various efforts have been made to address insecurity in Sankera.I must commend the government; which on her path has always deployed security forces to the area in an attempt to restore order.
Some of these approaches have had some successes in reducing the immediate threat, but have not addressed the underlying causes of the conflict boomeranging to violence.
In many cases, the presence of security forces has been met with alot of non-cooperation and mistrust from the local populace, further fueling the cycle of violence. The very recent uprising in Ukum Local Government area of the axis was as a result of the perceived poor handling of security vulnerability,leading to the death of five persons and subsequently Protest which led to the destruction of several government property, Residential homes,quite Sad and highly regrettable!
As a people, we definitely cannot continue like this!
Community leaders, political office holders, religious organizations and civil society groups have also played key roles in mediating conflicts and promoting peace. These efforts included:Peace dialogues, reconciliation meetings, and initiatives aimed at fostering understanding and cooperation among different groups. While these initiatives have made some progress so far, they have often been hampered by a lack of resources, political will, and coordination.
Today,we must chat a pathway to ending the issues of insecurity in Sankera effectively and truly,I will be suggesting the Non-Kinetic approaches that deals with root causes of this mayhem and also promoting a sustainable peace. This approach should encompass the following key elements:
Community Engagement and Dialogue: Building trust and understanding among our people is essential. We must facilitate inclusive dialogues that involve community leaders, youth, women, and other Key stakeholders. These dialogues should be aimed at addressing the grievances, promote reconciliation, and develop locally-driven solutions to conflicts. Regular town hall meetings and peace forums like this one can provide platforms for open discussions. Establishing conflict resolution committees at the Ward levels can help address issues before they escalate.
Economic Empowerment and Development: Socio-economic disparities and lack of opportunities are major drivers of insecurity. We must invest in the development of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation in Sankera. Empowering the youth with skills and employment opportunities will reduce their vulnerability to being recruited by armed groups and other purveyors of insecurity in Sankera.
Strengthening The Traditional Institutions: Traditional Institutions play a crucial role in conflict resolution and maintaining social order. We should as a matter of urgency, support and strengthen these institution. providing them with the necessary resources and capacity to mediate conflicts and promote peace by ensuring integration into formal governance structures for better coordination.
Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR): A comprehensive DDR program ably initiated and led by the Executive Governor is essential to address the proliferation of arms and the reintegration of former combatants into the society. The Governor must take a lead by setting up a peace and reconciliatory committee, seeking presidential permission for an amnesty programme and constant interaction with the people through robust town hall meetings. The program should also include vocational training, psychological support, and incentives for those who surrender their weapons and embrace peaceful livelihoods. We should create awareness campaigns about the benefits of disarmament and reintegration and establish support centers for former combatants to aid their transition back into civil life.
Improving Governance and Accountability at the Local Level: Good governance and the rule of law are fundamental to achieving lasting peace. Our Local governments must ensure transparency, accountability and be responsive to the yearnings of our people. This includes addressing corruption, ensuring fair distribution of resources, and protecting the rights of the people. Our Local Government Chairmen must implement transparent mechanisms for resource allocation and project executions.
Collaborative Partnerships: Tackling insecurity requires a multi-stakeholder approach. This is why I am impressed by this initiative to organise a two-day Peace Summit. This event will foster partnerships between the government, professional bodies, civil societies, religious organizations and the private sector. These coalitions can mobilize resources, expertise, and support for peacebuilding initiatives in Sankera.
In conclusion, the insecurity in Sankera is a complex and multifaceted issue that demands thorough,comprehensive handling as well as non-kinetic approaches. By engaging communities, addressing socio-economic disparities, strengthening traditional institutions, and promoting good governance especially at the local level.As a people,we can pave the way for a lasting peace and development in Sankera.We must come together with strong determination, compassion, and a shared vision for a secured and prosperous future for all residents of the axis. We must understand that the journey to peace is a collective effort. It requires the commitment of every stakeholder, from government officials to political leaders, from community leaders to professional bodies, from youth to elders, from local businesses to international partners and civil society groups. Only by working together can we create an enabling environment where peace and prosperity thrives. Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to peace, to renew our efforts and work tirelessly towards a future where Sankera is known not for its conflicts, but for its harmony, progress, and resilience.
