The Deputy Head of Mission to Nigeria from the European Union, Zissimos Vergos, has emphasized the need to eliminate factors contributing to criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, known for its oil wealth.
The EU aims to endorse inclusive community methods to address the underlying causes of violence in the area.
A recent report by the Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta highlighted various prevalent crimes in the region, including clashes related to militancy and illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping for ransom, communal conflicts, mob violence, clashes between rival cult gangs, organized criminality, and separatist activities.
During the launch of the peace promotion project titled “A Community Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta” in Abuja, Vergos called for a paradigm shift in addressing these challenges.
He emphasized the importance of bringing resources to the table to enable Nigerian partners to address their challenges in achieving the country’s status as the giant of Africa.
Vergos stated, “The EU supports inclusive community approaches to address systemic drivers of violence in the Niger Delta region,” emphasizing the commitment to fostering inclusive societies.
Commending the consortium partners including Stakeholders Democracy Network, Academic Associate Peace Works, and Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta, Vergos praised their collaboration in proposing an alternative narrative to the prevailing violence in the region.
The Minister of Niger Delta, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, represented by his special assistant, James Khanoba, expressed hope that the project would lead to the desired impact.
He envisioned the “Community Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta” project serving as a compass guiding the government toward a more holistic understanding of the issues and potential pathways to sustainable solutions.
Fatima Abubakar, the Country Director of Search for Common Ground, highlighted the successful launch of the project in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta States. In these states, respective governments demonstrated their commitment to promoting inclusive community security approaches and addressing the root causes of violence and criminality in the Niger Delta region.
- Tags: EU, Niger- Delta, Nigeria, South East
