By Percy Dabang, Yola
The Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN-WA) in collaboration with the Society for Peace Study and Practice (SPSP), Adamawa state branch has called on the Adamawa state government under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to as a matter of urgency, establish a Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding Commission (CRPBC) to aid in resolving the incessant farmers and herders’ conflicts and other communal clashes in the state.
The group which comprises academicians and humanitarian workers made the call during the launching of a research report titled “Policy Levers for Peace: Sub-national and Local Peacebuilding Mechanisms in Nigeria,” at the Modibbo Adama University, Yola on Tuesday.
The report which highlighted the critical findings of the research conducted in Adamawa state was supported by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).
Professor Jude A Momodu, Director of the Center for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS) of the Modibbo Adama University, Yola who doubled as the Vice President North, Society for Peace Study and Practice spoke on the need for the state to establish a Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding Commission. He stressed that such mechanisms will enhance peaceful dialogue among community members and further provide an atmosphere for peaceful coexistence.
“Through these mechanisms, about 300 conflict cases have been resolved between 2018 to 2023 because of community based strategy adopted in resolving conflict. That shows that Community Based Peace building initiatives are very effective in resolving conflicts. So, if the government sets up a commission, communities can copy such structures to resolve their conflicts,” he said.
One of the co-researchers who made the presentation, Dr. Saheed B. Owonikoko, noted that while local peacebuilding agencies play significant roles in mitigating conflict, little is known about their effectiveness and challenges. He emphasized the need to study and understand these agencies better to improve their effectiveness in local communities.
The research report aims to bridge the gap in capacity related to cultural, tribal, and religious issues, highlighting the importance of inclusive traditional communities in peacebuilding.
The launch and dissemination of the report mark a significant step towards promoting peace and security in Nigeria, providing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.