The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation(GPF) Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to work collectively towards tackling insecurity.
Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General, lPCR, spoke on Tuesday at one-day High-Level Dialogue Conference with the theme ‘Promoting Collective Responsibility for Peace and Security in Abuja.’
He said that in recent times, citizens had witnessed an alarming escalation in security incidents in Abuja.
Ochogwu said that if the security challenges were not addressed collectively and urgently, they could undermine the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous city.
‘Persistent insecurity can deter socio-economic development, discourage investment and exacerbate poverty and inequality.
‘There is a need for collective responsibility between the government and this entire society to build peace and ensure security for the people in Abuja.
‘We believe that once we are able to build peace a
nd establish some good level of security in this place, it will boost investors’ confidence and encourage trust.’
Ochogwu said that in order to proffer solutions to rising crime, the Institute conducted a study titled ‘Presentation on Spatial Analysis of Crime in Abuja City Centre,’ he said.
According to him, the study is not just an academic exercise; it is a crucial early warning tool that can guide strategies and actions in tackling the security challenges.
Rev. John Hayab, the Country Director, GPF Nigeria, said that sustainable peace could not be easily achieved through a top-down approach but through the active participation of all sections of society.
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‘Both a government official, security personnel, religious leader, community leaders or citizen-all have a vital role to play in building a safer and more secure society for today and future generations,” he said.
Hayab also reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment towards part
nering with the government, security agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders and individuals in the quest for peace and security in Abuja and the country.
In his remarks, Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
‘Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, efforts and strategies are being put in place to combat the various security challenges facing the nation,’Goronyo said.
On his part, Ogundele Ayodeji, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Zone 7, Abuja, pledged police’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, ‘one chance’ robbery and other crimes in FCT.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria