The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in collaboration with Tetra Tech and SPRiNG, undertook a strategic advocacy visit to Benue State to promote the National Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (NCEWERS) project, funded by the UK FCDO through SPRiNG. The visit aimed to strengthen partnerships with security agencies, government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organisations (CSOs), while rallying collective action to drastically reduce response times to early warnings.
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director General of IPCR, led a two-day advocacy mission from February 25 to 26, 2026. As part of the NCEWERS project, he emphasised Benue’s vital role in Nigeria’s food basket and the urgent need to address frequent clashes between farmers and herders, as well as other resource-related conflicts that threaten the livelihoods of thousands.
He explained that NCEWERS, supported by international partners, is designed to help Nigeria rapidly identify and respond to conflicts fuelled by resource competition and climate challenges. The project centres on a real-time digital platform that collects and maps conflict data, enabling swift intervention. Benue State was selected as a priority area due to its ongoing vulnerability.
During the visit, Dr. Ochogwu and his team, accompanied by research fellows and partner organisations, worked to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups. The mission underscored the need for faster, more coordinated action in response to early warning alerts.
Dr. Ochogwu noted that competition over land and water, unpredictable weather patterns, and slow or uncoordinated stakeholder responses are fuelling tensions in Benue. He stressed that the issue is not the absence of warning signs but the failure to respond promptly and collectively.
To tackle these challenges, NCEWERS is upgrading its early warning systems, incorporating climate risk indicators, and empowering local response teams. The goal is to ensure that once a threat is detected, local authorities can act within 45 minutes, potentially saving lives and property.
Dr. Ochogwu also emphasised the importance of raising public awareness, collaborating with the media, and engaging communities directly. He explained that for any high-tech solution to succeed, it must earn the trust and active participation of those it is intended to help.
He called on the Benue State government, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society, media, and especially youth and women leaders to join forces. Their collaboration, he said, is crucial for encouraging early reporting, combating misinformation, and ensuring everyone, including women and marginalised groups, has a voice in peacebuilding.
“Technology alone cannot prevent violence; communities must understand, trust, and use it,” Dr. Ochogwu said.
He emphasised that NCEWERS is designed to build on existing peace efforts and that true success depends on local ownership. He concluded that lasting peace in Benue can only be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared sense of responsibility among all stakeholders.
