A group known as Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) in collaboration with the Community Protection Committee (CPC) has expressed its resolution to enhancing protection and mitigating threat against civilians in Monguno and Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Saratu Pindar, the CIVIC Program Team Lead, stated this at a four-day joint awareness campaign held with security operatives in Monguno town, Monguno, Borno State.
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Saratu said the training was centered on identification and reporting of unexploded ordinance sightings, fire safety and mishaps prevention, and other protection threats and risk.
She submitted that the awareness campaign was necessitated to sensitize the communities on the emerging protection risks and threats they might encounter as communities continue to transition into the stabilization phase of the conflict.
She said, “We are committed to empowering communities with the right knowledge and tools to mitigate these risks effectively, we have been able to senstizing 400 people in both Monguno and Konduga respectively,”.
She explained that the recent tick in protection threat against civilians in their communities spurred the CPCs and protection actors alongside security operatives to enlighten the populace.
“At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to continue advocating for the safeguarding, the well-being, and protection of the communities we serve.
“This joint mass awareness campaign underscores our dedication to ensuring that communities are equipped with the necessary information and strategies to navigate the challenges they may face, ultimately fostering safer communities for all”, she said.
Habib Maidugu, the Community Liaison Officer and CPC in Konduga Local Council Area, also expressed his optimism that the joint mass awareness campaign marks a significant milestone in CPC’s ongoing efforts to promoting community protection and resilience in Monguno and Konduga Councils.
“We recognize the importance of community engagement and ownership in addressing protection concerns.
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“By working hand-in-hand with the communities, we can collectively devise effective strategies to mitigate risks and build resilient societies that prioritize the protection of civilians and mitigate civilian harms associated with trending protection risks and threats to members”, he said.
Also, Godwin Emmanuel, Community Liaison Officer for Monguno, noted that “civilian protection is not just a moral imperative but a strategic imperative for sustainable peace and stability.”
