A new report by Mercy Corps and Partners has shown a reduction in the number of violent incidents in North central states of Benue, Kogi, and Plateau.
The report, an evidence generated at the close-out event of USAID-funded Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP), said the programme aimed at empowering local structures, and promote a culture of peace, as well as build resilience to violence in the states.
In a statement issued Monday Monday by its Country Director, Mercy Corps Nigeria, Ndubisi Anyanwu, said since its launch in 2019, it has been actively working in the North West (Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States) and North Central (Benue, Kogi, and Plateau States).
He said: “The program has provided communities, including traditional leaders, women, men, and youth, with the necessary tools to play leadership roles in dispute resolution, Early Warning and Early Response (EWER), and prevention of violent extremism.
“Additionally, he said, the program has deepened the engagement of women and youth in peace processes.
“Through constructive engagement of governance institutions and vertical and horizontal linkages with established peace structures, the Activity has contributed to efforts to strengthen relationships and improve responsiveness to the needs and priorities of marginalised groups.”
