A state of Peace (SOP) Report carried out by Peace Pro Nigeria has affirmed that peace and security are under threat in all 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Report identified threat to peace and security to include communal clashes, land grabbing, humanitarian/ environmental/political and social crisis, banditry, insurgency, conspiracy, killings, lootings, and other forms of criminality.

The Executive Director, Peace Pro, Hamzat Abdulrazaq, said the Report classified Katsina and Zamfara states as epic centres of banditry, noting that banditry had risen to insurgency. He stressed the need for government to pay more attention to it like Boko Haram in the Northeast.

The Report further identified farmers-herders clashes as a major challenge in Abia State.

Meanwhile, it branded Eastern Security Network of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as insurgents.

Other threats in Abia State, the group said, included Abia/Akwa Ibom border clash in Ikwuano and Obot community, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Self-Acquired Tricycle Owners Association (SATOA).

In Adamawa, it identified a group known as Shila Boys as threat.The recurring communal crisis between Umueri and Aguleri communities in Anambra was seen as dangerous, as well as alleged land grabbing by suspected State Housing Development Corporation’s agent.

In Bayelsa State and Edo, cultism and herders’ crises were recognised. In Abuja, it discovered increasing rate of kidnapping and armed robbery, especially along Abaji – Kogi Road.

The Report advised Benue State government to set rules of engagement for herders based on practicality to ensure compliance. It emphasised the need for state government to facilitate Federal Government’s intervention on Abia/Akwa Ibom border, among others. (The Guardian)

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