Benue North-East Senator, Emmanuel Memga Udende, has disclosed that stakeholders must chart a way to end insecurity in Sankera.
Udende spoke at College of Education Katsina-Ala during a Two-Day Peace Summit Organised by the Sankera Staff forum, Benue State University, Makurdi from 11th-12th July, 2024.
The chairman Senate committee on Anti-Corruption and financial crimes appreciated the government efforts so far but insist that more needs to be done to end insecurity in Sankera, and Benue State large.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Media and publicity, Comrade Jerry Orgem Iorngaem, Udende insisted that, we must begin from the root causes of this problem.” All hands on Deck”, ranging from Politicians, Traditional institutions, religious leaders, youths, women and all relevant stakeholders.
He continued “We must chat a pathway to ending insecurity in Sankera effectively and truly, I will be suggesting a Non-Kinetic approaches that deals with root causes of this mayhem and also promotes a sustainable peace”
“We must facilitate inclusive dialogues that involve community leaders, youths, women, and other Key stakeholders. These dialogues should be aimed at addressing the grievances, promote reconciliation, and develop locally-driven solutions to conflicts resolution, Regular town hall meetings and peace forums like this can provide platforms for open discussions. Establishing conflict resolution committees before they escalate”.
He also echoed on Socio-economic disparities and lack of opportunities as major drivers of insecurity.He says,”we must invest in the development of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation in Sankera. Empowering the youth with skills and employment opportunities will help reduce their vulnerability to being recruited by armed groups and other purveyors of insecurity in Sankera”.
The erstwhile House of Reps Member retreated that the Governor must take a lead by setting up a peace and reconciliatory committee, seeking presidential permission for a genuine amnesty programme and constant interaction with the people through robust town hall meetings.
The program should include vocational training, psychological support, and incentives for those who surrender their weapons and embrace peaceful livelihoods. creating awareness campaigns on the benefits of disarmament and reintegration and establish support centers for former combatants to aid their transition back into civil life.
According to Senator Udende, tackling insecurity requires a multi-stakeholder approach and this is why he was impressed with the initiative; organization of a two-day Peace Summit. The event according to him will foster partnerships between the government, professional bodies, civil societies, religious organizations and the private sector, coalitions can mobilize resources.
The “Ikyuen I Ukum” concluded that, 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.
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,he added.
Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitments to peace, to renew our efforts and work tirelessly towards a future where Sankera is known not for its conflicts, but for it’s harmony, progress, and resilience.
