Threat to Peace: NGO Sensitises Kaduna Residents on Effects of War
By Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna
Following recent attempt by different groups in Nigeria, like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Arewa Youths Coalition, to plunge Nigeria into war, Zamani Foundation, a peace advocacy and development organisation on Wednesday held a one-day sensitisation workshop on “Horrific Effects of War” is Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Saidu Adamu, who represented the Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, blamed the political class for the cause of crises in Nigeria.
Adamu, Counsellor on Information to the governor, who also doubles as chairman of the occasion, added that, greed and superiority contest is another reason why crisis brake out in the society.
“Wars has always been part of human beings, because of our greed, because of our desire to acquire more, our desire to show supremacy, our desire to eliminate one another has always been the issue.
“We are so self-centred, we are so very greedy, by the time somebody start to think his own religion, traditional or culture is superior to the other, that is where problem start.
“Another thing is, when human beings start to think that I need to acquire more, I need to have more land, I need to have more sales and I need to subdue a lots of people, that is where war normally comes.
Adamu, therefore, charged Kaduna people to respect each others religion, culture and tradition and to also leave in peace with one another as Kaduna is no longer available for crisis.
In her presentation, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zamani Foundation, Talatu Zamani–Henry, explained that the objective of the programme is to help reduce incentives to initiate attacks.
According to her, ” the effects of crisis has been very devastating in the sense that after every crisis, the immediate effects has been alarming, there is a breakdown of law and order, the rate of crime is high.
“When a people are unjustly killed, even if they do nothing immediately, the story will be told to their children, who will one day want to revenge because of the damage it has done to their minds.
“Politicians engage the youths in crises, not thinking of the after effect, the election is won, what next, the arms with these youths are then used to perpetuate crime.”
She added “Effects of war also include mass destruction of cities and have long lasting effects on a country’s economy. Armed conflict has important indirect negative consequences on, infrastructure, public health provision, and social order.
“These indirect consequences are often overlooked and underappreciated.
“Destruction of infrastructure, labour force. Debt, taxes and Inflation Increase; Consumption and Investment decreases because it will be difficult for investors or tourists to come and invest in a war torn country. Investors remain cautious about such areas even after the war ends.
“If the war breaks out in a specific country, this country will need a lot of additional money to rebuild the roads and buildings that were destroyed by war. This can lead to economic problems.
“Displacement, Education, moral decay, break down of law and order, sexual violence.
“International humanitarian law (IHL), also known as the laws of war and the law of armed conflict, is the legal framework applicable to situations of armed conflict and occupation. As a set of rules and principles it aims, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict”.
“International humanitarian law works to limit the effects of war and protect the people who do not participate in such hostilities.”
Earlier in her opening remarks, Talatu, noted that the country is currently experiencing turbulent times, with the ongoing agitations and clamoring for Nationhood by different factions within the country.
“It is imperative that we kindle the spirit of Nationalism and Patriotism of Nigeria to remind us why we are a country.
“Many people know that war is bad but they do not know how bad the reality is. It is said that over 2 million people died in the Nigerian civil war. The result of war is always death and destruction.
“No amount of prayers can change that. In war there is no victor and no vanquish, Everybody losses, there is no victor in war.
“Around the world, we have seen several examples of people turning against their brothers. In Ruwanda people attacked their neighbours and family friends, in Liberia, we all know the tormenting effects, and we know what is happening with the Rohingya muslims being attacked by their fellow country men.
“War is not worth the loss. Our differences are not insurmountable, in our core we are all the same.” she added.
The workshop which was supported by Ethiopian Airlines among others had participants from security and other paramilitary agencies, ministry of Justice, CSOs and other stakeholders in attendance.
