A group, Women in Peace Building Network (WIPNET), has urged Nigerians and leaders to apply dialogue in addressing contentious national issues.

The Focal Person of the group, Mrs Iruka Nwokedi, said this in a one day security challenge forum in Enugu on Friday.

The forum was organised to commemorate the International Day of Peace being celebrated world over.

Nwokedi said that it was obvious that women and children bear the greatest brunt of population displacement, famine, hunger, poor health, disease, deepening poverty, family disintegration and loss of lives associated with conflicts or violence.

According to her, it is sad that women are conspicuously absent at the negotiating tables and in peace building processes within communities in the world.

“WIPNET believes dialogue offers solution faster than use of force.

“We all know that peace brings about development and development is about human security.

“Security is everybody’s business because when bombs detonate or bullets fly, they are not earmarked for any particular group of people.

“Global security is an issue today so men and women are all stakeholders in promoting peace,” she said.

On security situation in the South East of the country, Nwokedi called on security agencies to tread with caution; while being professional in handling the crisis.

“What is happening in the South East between the security agencies and different agitators can lead to war or genocide if the security agencies, the agitators and the government do not re-strategise and go back to the drawing board and dialogue.

“WIPNET South-East calls on the government to re-strategies their approach.

“Security agencies should tread softly; while the agitators should embrace dialogue. Again, the leaders of South East should drive the process of dialogue, and act as a bridge between government and the agitators,” she said.

WIPNET is a programme of West African Network for Peace Building (WANEP) Nigeria.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared Sept. 21 as the International Day of Peace to be observed all over the world.

According to the UNGA, it is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The theme for 2017 International Day of Peace is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All”.

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