By Auwal Umar
Damaturu (Nigeria) — United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in conjunction with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) have begun mapping of Children in High risk areas of Yobe State, northeast of the country.
The Chief Researcher, ICPR, Mbah Chukwumeka, disclosed this to Journalists in Damagum, headquarters of Fune Local Government Area of the State.
He explained that the mandate of the Institute as contained in it’s establishment by Act no. 34 of 2000 is to conduct In depth researches on Peace, security and conflict issues, provide policy advice to the government and design intervention strategies for the prevention, resolution and management of conflicts in Nigeria and Africa.
“It is in line with this mandate that the institute is collaborating with UNICEF, State Governments and other critical stakeholders to design mechanisms that would ensure peaceful returns of the displaced and community coexistence towards sustainable development in conflict affected Local Government Areas”.
According to him, the insurgency in the Northeast has caused serious dislocation of communities and livelihoods.
Additionally, violations against Children are rife, requiring mapping of risk areas, where most incidences affecting Children have taken place.
Chukwumeka further revealed that the assessment would bring to the fore situation of grave violation on Children and Armed conflict in Yobe State.
“We have began with meetings with the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Education, Health, Justice, Local Government, Women Affairs, Adviser Vigilante and Chieftancy matters, IDPs in Kukareta, Women, Children, Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs Dr Muhammad Ibn Abali Muhammad Idrissa and other Community Leaders,” he said.
This is an excellent initiative by Unicef and the Institute to bring about holistic solutions to the plight of vulnerable women and children affected by the insurgency. Affected communities need to be reconstructed, women and children rehabilitated. Unicef should focus of the education of affected children, etc.