The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has appealed to communities residing in conflict-ridden areas within Nigeria’s North-west zone, urging them to prioritise dialogue as a means to achieve sustainable peace.
Laurent De Boeck, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, delivered this message during an event in Katsina, marking the launch of a project focusing on Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation.
De Boeck highlighted ththat the 18 month project, would be unfolded across the pilot Local Government Areas of Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, and Kankara.
With the aim to mend longstanding divisions, the initiative seeks to bring together stakeholders, including farmers, pastoralists, and other affected parties, to collaboratively work towards enduring peace, he further explained.
Noting the history of displacement due to frequent armed bandit attacks, De Boeck underlined the project’s core objective: to catalyse community-driven solutions by facilitating dialogue among members of disparate communities, fostering trust and harmony.
“This programme in Katsina is based on the successes recorded in previous programmes carried out in other regions. Our focus is on bringing people from communities together to have a dialogue, to reconcile, and to rebuild trust in order to continue to live in peace”, said De Boeck.
He emphasised that the project’s essence lies in enabling communities to independently craft solutions tailored to their specific contexts, rather than imposing external remedies.
Collaboration by stakeholders
Representatives of farmers and pastoralists at the event voiced their collective support for the project’s goals.
Alhaji Sani Danjari and Malam Kabir Musa pledged commitment to mobilizing their respective communities in alignment with the project’s objectives.
In a separate meeting involving IOM, Mercy Corps, and other key partners, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, affirmed the state government’s backing for the project’s implementation.
Governor Radda also revealed plans for the state administration, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, to revamp strategies against armed banditry and kidnapping.
