IDN Stakeholders Urge Benue Youths to Lead Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Stakeholders from the Interfaith Dialogue Networks (IDNs) have called on youths in Benue State to take the lead in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The appeal was made during a one-day workshop organized by the network in Makurdi on Tuesday.

The Focal Person and Desk Officer of IDNs, Dr. Abigail Gire, emphasized that youths are often perceived as perpetrators of violence, hence the decision to engage them as advocates for peace and positive change.

“We deliberately included the youths in this programme so they can become agents of change and peace. The aim is to send out early warning signs, especially during this ember season, against gender-based violence,” Gire said.

She explained that the initiative seeks to foster collaboration among youth and religious leaders in addressing the menace of GBV. According to her, some youths from Yelwata—an area recently affected by violent attacks—were also included in the programme.

“We must see ourselves as one. GBV is everywhere, and during the ember months, youths are often accused of being involved in such acts. We are sounding an early warning and encouraging young people to be a voice in this fight,” she added.

Gire lamented the rising cases of GBV in Benue, noting that many incidents go unreported. “From credible sources, GBV is on the increase despite several interventions. Some cases are underreported or not reported at all,” she stated.

She further expressed concern over emerging social issues among the youth, such as the sale of reproductive cells. “Our young girls are selling their ovaries and the young men their sperms. As religious leaders, we must raise awareness about the long-term consequences and act before it’s too late,” she warned.

Highlighting previous interventions, Gire recalled how faith leaders worked together to address underage prostitution at Yaman Park in Makurdi, calling for continued collaboration between churches and mosques to amplify the message of peace and morality.

In her presentation titled “Faith-rooted Response to Gender-Based Violence for Youth-Led Change,” Dr. Maryam Yakubu described religious leaders as key gatekeepers in tackling discrimination and GBV.

She revealed that over 4,000 cases of GBV were reported in Benue State in 2023, with the figures still on the rise, especially in rural areas where victims face barriers to justice.

“The youths must be equipped with communication and counseling skills to promote peaceful coexistence. They should serve as bridges of peace and transformation,” Yakubu urged.

Also presenting a paper titled “Inter-faith Early Warning/Early Response Networks for Youth-led Peacebuilding,” Dr. Jackson Ode emphasized the need for vigilance against triggers such as hate speech, rumors, attacks on religious symbols, extremist actions, and political manipulation of religion.

He advocated stronger partnerships among interfaith groups, civil society organizations, international bodies, and youth leaders to identify and address early warning signs before they escalate into conflict.