Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: peace

  • Pope Leo XIV Expresses Concern Over Persistent Attacks in Central Nigeria

    Pope Leo XIV Expresses Concern Over Persistent Attacks in Central Nigeria

    Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt plea for peace and security in Nigeria following a recent surge in killings in Kwara, Katsina, and Benue states. According to The Guardian, the Pontiff described the reports of violence as “deeply troubling” and urged the Nigerian government to do more to protect the lives and property of its citizens. The message, delivered via his official social media channels, emphasized his closeness to the victims and their families during this period of grief.

    Reporting by Vanguard indicates that the Pope’s intervention comes at a time of heightened anxiety in rural communities where abductions and communal clashes have escalated. The Pontiff expressed hope that “the competent authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety of every citizen.” Daily Post validated the report, quoting a local bishop who said: “The Holy Father’s words are a balm to our people, but we need the government’s actions to match his prayers.”

    In an update published by The Punch, several civil society organizations have echoed the Pope’s call, demanding a more proactive approach from the security agencies. A representative from a human rights group noted, “The Pope’s global call for attention should be a wake-up call to our leadership that the world is watching the deteriorating situation in the North-Central zone.” This development puts added international pressure on the Tinubu administration to deliver on its security promises.

    Echotitbits take:

    The Pope’s involvement elevates the security situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt to a global humanitarian level. It increases the pressure on the Nigerian government to show tangible results in these specific regions, which are critical for food security. Watch for a potential redeployment of specialized military units to the Benue and Kwara axes in response to this international spotlight.

    Source: AfricaNews – https://www.africanews.com/2026/02/08/catholic-pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-an-end-to-violence-in-nigeria/, February 9, 2026

    Photo credit: Los Angeles Times

  • Youths Are Pivotal Actors in Achieving Peace, Sustainable Development- Lagos Youth Commissioner

    Youths Are Pivotal Actors in Achieving Peace, Sustainable Development- Lagos Youth Commissioner

    A call has gone out to youths to channel their energy into productive activities as they are pivotal actors in the achievement of peace and sustainable development in the country.

    This appeal was made by Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu, on Thursday, during a virtual youth dialogue on peace and conflict resolution organised by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

    The Commissioner noted that the effect of COVID-9 pandemic on youths has been tremendous, creating personal and group conflict in the society, hence the need to dialogue and find lasting solutions to issues that may trigger conflict in the society.

    Conflict, the Commissioner noted, may arise as a result of lack of education, skills or adequate information, pointing out that idle youths can be easily lured into violence and manipulated by extremist groups.

    Dawodu observed that because conflict as a form of human character cannot be wished away, it is essential to address conflicting issues and resolve them effectively before they escalate into violence, abuse or war.

    He maintained that peace and conflict resolution allow people to thrive economically, socially and politically by addressing the root causes of violence.

    Dawodu charged youths to take advantage of the many opportunities created by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for building a network for peace and prevention of conflicts and violence.

    While charging youths to avoid idleness, the Commissioner advised them to key into the entrepreneurship drive of the State as well as agriculture, saying “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Yewande Falugba noted that youths possess a strong potential to drive change at all levels and can be heroes of strong positive action.

    She noted that although youths may be at the centre of negative security related issues, large numbers of them are making a positive impact in the society, urging youths to embrace non-violence and channel their energy into making good use of the technological advances available.