The group organised a workshop on conflict resolution.

A group known as Women Environmental Programme, WEP, in partnership with the European Union, EU; United Nations Development Programme, UNDP; and other international organisations has embarked on a four-day advocacy workshop to adopt strategies on resolving violent conflict between farmers and herdsmen in the North Central Nigeria.

The executive director of WEP, Priscilia Achakpa, has said that the workshop would help in capacity building among farmers and herdsmen towards mediation, alternative dispute resolution mechanism as well as gender mainstreaming.

Ms. Achakpa, who was represented by the programme officer, Queensley Ajuyakpe, explained that the workshop will train traditional rulers, community leaders, as well as government institutions on how to resolve conflict among warring communities.

“The project aims at resolving the violent conflicts among Tiv farmers and Fulani pastoralist through building their capacities in mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanism and gender mainstreaming. The wanton killings and destruction of properties in these areas forced hundreds of women and children who are always the most vulnerable in times of violent conflicts/ crisis from the communities,” Ms. Ajuyakpe said.

The director expressed regrets that women have been subjected to untold hardship due to incessant crisis across communities. She added that those trained would be expected to train others.

The North Central region has been prone to violent conflicts since return of democracy in 1999 due to scarce resources coupled with desertification and climate change.

The representatives of Nasarawa and Benue State governments appreciated the initiative of WEP and its partners for setting up the workshop.

The special adviser on security to the Nasarawa State governor, Tanko Al-Makura, told participants that the state government has also initiated programmes to assist in ensuring peace in the state and neighboring states while his Benue counterpart, Sam Kave, urged the workshop organisers to go beyond discussions and ensure workable solutions to resolve conflicts.