ABEOKUTA– A data and science Journalist, Chikezie Omeje has Identified the need for proper security data analysis as a way to tackle the incessant clashes between the farmers and herders in the country.
Omeje made this known on Monday during an online workshop he organised for fellow Journalists as part of his Davis Projects for Peace.
The Davis Projects for Peace empowers students to carry out peace initiatives around the world every summer. The program was vision of late Kathryn Davis who launched it in 2007 in her 100th birthday
Omeje, in his presentation noted that the conflicts can be reduce if there is enough awareness on the effects and magnitude of the conflicts on both sides, adding that solutions taken by communities must be properly reported for other to follow.
“Peace building efforts can be enhanced if stakeholders have better understanding of the conflicts dynamics” he added
Sighting the Otukpo, in Benue state example, Omeje advised that regular meetings between the locals farmers and herders can go a long in forging common understanding, which he said will create a peaceful community for business.
Noting that in some cases, the herders form part of the security architecture of the Otukpo community, while guards are used as guide for the herders on their routes.
He therefore reteraites that Journalists should be more responsive to their responsibility of peace and nation building, adding that a peaceful society is where journalistic practice can thrive.
