NGO engages Yobe stakeholders on civilian protection

From Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

The Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), a Non-Governmental Organisation, (NGO) has concluded a two-day advocacy and roundtable engagement with stakeholders in Yobe State, to address pressing challenges affecting civilians and communities.
Speaking during the programme, CIVIC’s Community Liaison Officer, Aisha Mustafa Kolo, said the organisation prioritises civilian protection, particularly children, by recognising, preventing, and addressing threats confronting communities.
She explained that the centre has carried out engagements across all three zones of Yobe State to propose solutions to challenges such as market attacks, extra-judicial killings, and bank robberies.
In her remarks, Potiskum Community Liaison Officer, Maimuna Mohammed Giwa, highlighted the rising criminal activities in the area, noting issues like out-of-school children and street hawking.
She added that CIVIC has established community protection committees to provide immediate responses to emergencies.
Similarly, Gaidam Local Government Liaison Officer, Adam Umar Arab, commended stakeholders for their support but stressed the need for more collective efforts to address lingering challenges triggered by insurgency in the region.
At the roundtable, stakeholders identified unemployment, drug abuse, child abuse, poverty, and injustice as major challenges confronting communities.
They recommended dialogue, awareness creation, empowerment programmes, improved security measures, and job creation as solutions.
The Chairman of Potiskum Local Government, Alhaji Salisu Muntari, represented by his deputy, Hamza Nngojin, applauded the efforts of NGOs in supporting communities.
He also called on individuals and stakeholders to assist the less-privileged.
The engagement brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, politicians, and members of the public.