Some Human rights stakeholders want the Federal and State Governments to explore more strategies to end armed herdsmen invasion and sexual gender based violence in Benue State.
They made their feelings known during a meeting organized by Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre CIRDDOC in collaboration with the Justice and Rights Initiative, sponsored by Ford Foundation in Makurdi.
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 clashes have accounted for highest percentage of conflict with gender based violence on the increase hence the need to take appropriate action.
Project Manager, Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre, 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 sexual gender based violence,
He explained 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.
Executive Director, Justice and Rights Initiative, Justin Gbagir said they were partnering with CIRDDOC to 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.
Representative of National Orientation Agency, Mrs Priscilla Kpam sued for value reorientation among the citizens to change their perception of causing all forms of conflict to achieve a safe environment for economic development to thrive.
Two participants, Dr Joseph Iorhii attributed the rise in cases of SGBV to poverty, illiteracy and lack of awareness while, President Forum of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, Hajia Jamila Ilyasu urged the Government and non Government actors to use the findings to curb the menace of SGBV and other forms of violence in Benue.
Edited by Terna Injua
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