Dr. Ochogwu explained that the system is being upgraded to integrate climate risk indicators while strengthening the capacity of local response teams.
By Isah Aliyu Chiroma
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution has intensified efforts to curb violent conflicts in Benue State, unveiling a strengthened early warning and rapid response framework aimed at addressing farmer–herder clashes and other resource-based tensions.
Leading a strategic advocacy mission to the state, the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, said improved coordination among stakeholders is critical to preventing recurring violence that threatens livelihoods in one of Nigeria’s key agricultural regions.
The two-day advocacy visit, conducted in partnership with Tetra Tech and the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme, focused on promoting the National Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (NCEWERS).
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the initiative is designed to help authorities detect and respond quickly to emerging conflicts driven by competition over land, water and climate-related pressures.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ochogwu stressed that Benue’s importance as Nigeria’s food basket makes the need for peace in the state even more urgent.
“The problem is not the absence of early warning signs but the failure to respond promptly and collectively,” he said.
According to him, the NCEWERS project uses a digital platform that gathers and maps real-time conflict data to enable swift action by security agencies and other stakeholders.
Benue was selected as one of the priority states due to its vulnerability to recurring clashes, particularly between farmers and herders.
Dr. Ochogwu explained that the system is being upgraded to integrate climate risk indicators while strengthening the capacity of local response teams.
“Our goal is to ensure that once a threat is detected, local authorities can respond within 45 minutes, potentially saving lives and property,” he said.
During the advocacy visit, the IPCR delegation engaged with security agencies, government officials, traditional and religious leaders as well as civil society organisations to encourage stronger collaboration in addressing emerging threats.
The Director-General noted that unpredictable weather patterns, competition for natural resources and delayed responses by stakeholders continue to fuel tensions in many communities.
He emphasised the need for community participation and trust in the early warning system, noting that technology alone cannot guarantee peace.
“Technology alone cannot prevent violence; communities must understand, trust and use it,” Ochogwu said.
He called on the Benue State government, community leaders, security agencies, the media and civil society groups to support the initiative by encouraging early reporting of potential conflicts and countering misinformation.
Ochogwu added that women and youth must also play active roles in peacebuilding efforts to ensure inclusive and sustainable solutions.
“Lasting peace in Benue will depend on strong partnerships and a shared sense of responsibility among all stakeholders,” he said.
The advocacy mission forms part of broader national efforts to strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms and build community resilience a
cross Nigeria’s conflict-prone areas.
