Violent conflicts: IPCR, psychologists partner on trauma handling

By Ochiaka Ugwu

In order to properly handle trauma cases and counseling of victims of violent conflicts, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has pledged to partner with the Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA).
In a statement released in Abuja yesterday by the Institute’s Resident Information Officer (RIO) Mr. Abu I. Michael, it noted the Acting Director General of the IPCR, Dr. Bakut tswah Bakut who played host to officials of the NPA at the IPCR Council Chambers in Abuja said the country was no doubt at the crossroad and synergy among professionals, government agencies and other organizations was required to fully tackle conflicts and other social disorders.
According to the statement, “Dr. Bakut said the IPCR-NPA partnership would also focus on industrial conflict to fully address challenges hindering social harmony in the entire system. He noted that the aspect of industrial conflict has not been given attention for a very long time in the country”.
He expressed excitement over the collaboration pointing out that psychologists have about the best instruments for social researchers and that Nigeria would definitely benefit from the IPCR-NPA collaboration.
He called on members of the NPA to also undertake some of the conflict management courses of the institute so as to enhance their skills in mitigation and conflict management adding that the National Peace Academy of the institute runs Basic Conflict Management Course, Advanced Conflict Management Course, Conflict-Sensitive Reporting/Peace Journalism and many others as may be required by individuals and groups.
The leader of the delegation of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Musa Tafida, 2nd Vice President of the association presented the speech of the National President, Professor Michael Ezenwa who officially requested the participation of NPA members in peacebuilding.
Professor Ezenwa the country needs social healings and noted that psychologists were better placed for such task hence they study human behaviours and how to control unwanted conducts.
The too much of bloodletting in Nigeria according to him has dehumanize the human persons pledging NPA’s research support and other technical details.