Nigeria: New report shows how deeply the insurgency is affecting society

The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) publishes weekly news focusing on areas of violent conflict in Nigeria. On 4 February 2021, it highlighted a new report entitled "˜Entrenching Peace: Assessing Community Resilience and Peace Building Initiatives in North East Nigeria" (which was reviewed in The Guardian Nigeria on 1 February 2021). One of the research team, Professor Haruna Dlakwa of the University of Maiduguri, explained that‚ "the protracted insurgency significantly disrupted social and economic lives, with many residents now living in abject poverty away from their homes". Frans Veerman, Managing Director of World Watch Research, comments: "The report is critical of President Buhari"s government and its lack of effective support for the population of north-eastern Nigeria. It urges that a wider approach is required, going beyond the current program with its focus on the re-integration of ex-Boko Haram members into normal life. As things stand, people living in this region are desperately trying to find ways to survive. This has led to very high rates of women "˜panic marrying", but also of criminal activities such as working in supply chains for delivering petrol and other goods to insurgent groups." Frans Veerman continues: "While World Watch Research often emphasizes the levels of pressure and violence facing the Christian communities in north-eastern Nigeria, it is important to realize that the sheer weight of violence, impunity and government inaction places an unbearable burden on the whole of society."