Multi-sectoral stakeholders on peacebuilding and conflict resolution have called for stronger collaboration to sustain peace and strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms in Sokoto State.

The stakeholders made submissions at a validation meeting on the Sokoto Peace and Conflict Analysis (PCA) Research Report on Wednesday in Sokoto.

The research was conducted by the Crech Research and Development Institute (CRADI) and funded by the European Union.

It was implemented by International Alert in partnership with Action Against Hunger and the Save the Children Initiative (SCI).

In his remarks, the District Head of Gagi in Sokoto South Local Government Area, Sani Umar-Jabbi, said lasting peace could only be achieved when leaders uphold justice and refuse to compromise due process.

“No society will be safe where institutions are weakened by corruption, gender inequality, religious discrimination, tribalism, regional imbalance, and denial of freedom of speech as well as access to quality education,” he said.

He, however, faulted the media, alleging that some outlets have become government mouthpieces rather than holding leaders accountable.

The Clerk of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Mustapha Sidi-Attahiru, attributed recurring conflicts to ignorance, selfishness, tribalism and poor parenting.

He called on authorities at all levels to ensure access to quality and affordable education, as well as expand empowerment programmes to reduce poverty and vulnerability.

Presenting the findings, the PCA data analyst and field coordinator, Rinji Kwarkas, said 90.82 per cent of respondents reported experiencing or witnessing conflict in their communities.

He said the report identified banditry as the most prevalent form of violence at 74.4 per cent, followed by farmer-herder clashes and political conflicts at 54.5 per cent each, while resource-based disputes accounted for 41.9 per cent.

He added that communal conflicts were relatively lower at 20.6 per cent.

The Programme Manager of International Alert Nigeria, Sunday Jimoh, said the validation exercise was designed to incorporate stakeholders’ input to produce a more credible and context-relevant report.

He said the study covered 18 local government areas, using a participatory and mixed-method approach to examine conflict drivers, actors, trends and peace opportunities in the state.

Also speaking, Tukur Baba, a resource person, emphasised the need to integrate local languages, traditional values and cultural context into conflict resolution strategies.

Mr Baba, who is also the spokesperson of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), commended the contributions of stakeholders, including civil society organisations, legislators, security agencies, lawyers, persons with disabilities, youth and women groups, and religious leaders.

(NAN)