Bukola Afeni
Traditional Rulers, Community Observers, members of the Community Response Networks, Security Actors, Civil Society and Local Government officials said early warning information and coordinate response efforts is needed to end human security issues in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.
The group called for active participation in Community Security Architecture, while advocating for synergy among various stakeholders.
In a joint communique signed by, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, alongside Peggy Chukwuemeka representing the Parent-Child Intervention Centre and Kenloliss Ogbuzuru representing Agents of Communication and Development, they said strengthening local participation and expand community-based early warning and early response network and system is essential to mitigate security issues.
The group made the disclosure at the end of a community security architecture dialogue on early warning and early response organised by CISLAC-TI in Nigeria with support from Open Society Foundation Africa(OSF-AFRICA) in Enugu.
The participants noted that human security threats has impacted on people’s lives and livelihoods, disrupted socio-communal life, and deepened public distrust of state institutions,
“Early Warning and Early Response Systems (EWERS) remain an important tool within the spectrum of actions for the prevention, management and mitigation of conflicts, crimes and hazards.
“While security is a fundamental pre-occupation of every entity (individual, group, community, organisation and state), Human Security is paramount to protect the vital core of all human lives in ways that enhance human freedoms and human fulfilment”.
Since 2013, South East region has witnessed rising security incidence, exacerbated by attacks, armed clashes, mob violence, abduction, violence demonstration, looting and property destruction, sexual violence; and owing to the activities of unknown gunmen, IPOB, communal militia, pastoralists, political parties, Ebube Agu, cultists, MASSOB.
The group recommended that developing a strong analytical skill on early Warning and Early Response to assess situations rationally, create effective plan, and overcome obstacles.
It further noted that Gender mainstreaming in Early Warning and Early Response system for inclusive participation and information provision will enhance efficient functionality of Community response systems and structures.
“Active participation in Community Security Architecture through synergy building and adequate support for efficient working relationship among men, youth, women, local leaders, CBOs, state and non-state actors, as well as international organisations/bodies is critical.
“Encouraging Community-Media working relationship to amplify reporting on threat signals for appropriate policy actions is also essential “
