EWAR Centre Urges Women to Champion Conflict Prevention in Benue

By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Women in Benue State have been urged to take a leading role in early warning, mediation and rapid response to conflicts within their communities.

The call was made at the launch of the Early Warning and Early Response (EWAR) Centre/Women-Led Peace Hub in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, women mediators, security personnel, community representatives and other peace-building stakeholders.

Benue State Coordinator of the EWAR Centre/Women-Led Peace Hub, Mrs Magdalene Igbazua, said the initiative was designed to strengthen community mechanisms for conflict prevention, early warning, mediation and timely response to emerging security threats.

According to her, the programme also seeks to strengthen the participation of women in peace-building and conflict prevention at the grassroots.

Igbazua said women were often well positioned to identify early warning signs, including rumours, threats, domestic tensions and changes in community relationships before they escalate into wider conflicts.

“The EWAR Centre/Women-Led Peace Hub serves as a safe and accessible platform through which community members and peace actors can report emerging conflict risks, protection concerns and other issues that could affect community safety and social cohesion,” she said.

Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Council, Victor Ormin, pledged the council’s support for the initiative, promising stronger collaboration between the centre, relevant local government departments and other stakeholders.

Traditional leaders also committed to promoting peaceful coexistence, dialogue and responsible reporting of emerging threats while discouraging hate speech, misinformation and actions capable of fuelling tension.

Women mediators, on their part, pledged to remain actively involved in identifying and reporting early signs of conflict, mobilising women for peace-building activities and strengthening cooperation with traditional institutions, government agencies and security authorities.

The event climaxed with the official launch of the EWAR Centre/Women-Led Peace Hub, with stakeholders urged to translate their commitments into practical steps toward sustainable peace in Gwer West.