News Editor
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… task FG on stringent measures to end SGBV, herdsmen invasion in Benue
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Human Rights experts in Benue state have identified armed herdsmen invasions and violent attacks as the major cause of insecurity, displacement and poverty.
They have therefore called on the Federal and State Governments to evolve measures to put an end to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and armed herdsmen invasion in Benue State.
The experts made this call in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, during a Baseline Assessment Report Validation Meeting for the Strengthening Capacity and Oversight on the use of Human Rights Principles in the Prevention of Conflict-Related SBGV Project.
The meeting was organized by implementing partners, Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) and Justice and Rights Initiative, with funding support from Ford Foundation.
The Project Consultant, Chiroke Okogbue who presented the research work done for conflict and SGBV prevalence rate in Benue and Imo States, said the survey has revealed that herder-farmer conflicts has accounted for highest percentage of conflict as well as gender based violence which he noted is on the increase.
He said the investigations reveal that while over 86 percent of people in the state have been affected by the conflicts, the people have experienced SGBV, loss of loved ones, loss of livelihoods, psychological trauma, displacements with a huge number battling with accommodation of displaced persons or relatives and treatment of physical injuries, hence the need to take appropriate action.
The Project Manager CIRDDOC, Paschal Anozie, stated that they were implementing the project in Benue and Imo states to strengthen Capacity and oversight on the use of Human rights Principles in the prevention of conflict related SGBV, explaining that the one day engagement which involves, MDA’s, Security, researchers, CSO’s, Media, religious and traditional leaders, was to validate the baseline survey carried out by the organization.
The Executive Director, Justice and Rights Initiative, Justin Gbagir said they were partnering with CIRDDOC to generate and validate the survey on Conflict and Gender Based Violence in Benue to enable Government and other policy implementers key in to reduce the issues confronting the people to the barest minimum.
Representative of National Orientation Agency, (NAO) Mrs Priscilla Kpam stated that the meeting was timely and called for value reorientation among the citizens to change their perception on causes of all forms of conflict. Kapm said such would ensure a safe environment in the state where economic development can thrive.
Some of the participants, Dr Joseph Iorhii attributed the rise in cases of SGBV to poverty, illiteracy, lack of awareness and various forms of conflicts in the communities while, President Forum of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, (FOMWAN) Hajia Jamila Ilyasu urged the Government and non Government actors to use the findings to curb the effects of the menace of SGBV and other forms of violence in Benue state.
