The International Alert (IA) with support of the European Union (EU); has engaged stakeholders in peace building and the integration of people in Yobe. The Stakeholders were drawn from traditional and religious institutions, security agencies, youths and people living with disabilities (PLDs). While flagging off the capacity building workshop Thursday in Damaturu, the IA Programme Manager, Williams Ubimago disclosed: “The capacity building of the Stakeholders was to develop a community action plan for the reintegration of repentant terrorists and victims of gender-based violence (GBV).”
According to him, the engaged stakeholders are champions of peace building to reintegrate people into various communities affected by the 12-year conflict in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. He disclosed that the Stakeholders are working with local partners, including Taimako Development Initiatives (TDI), African Youths for Peace Development and Empowerment Foundations. “The aim of the capacity building workshop was to get stakeholders’ opinions on what the reintegration process should be,” he said, adding that it is a road map to the reintegration programme in the state. He noted that the outcome of the workshop could be used for advocacy that may influence decision making on integration of repentant terrorists. According to him, the peace building processes will resolve issues concerning the survivors of conflict in the Northeast.
“Children who have been abducted by Boko Haram will be returned into their respective communities,” he said, noting that it will also prepare communities to accept their loved ones. He said members of the communities and leaders will make them ‘feel safe and get over’ their experiences in the hands of Boko Haram insurgents. “You should provide input to the decisions that concern them,” he said, stating that it will make people’s aspirations known for government intervention.
