27th May, 2017
As part of measures to check extremism among youths, ActionAid Nigeria, an International NGO, has inaugurated Community Action and Response Teams (CARTs), in four communities of Kogi.
ActionAid Manager for Human Security in Conflict and Emergency , Mr Gbenro Olajuyigbe, in a speech at the inauguration of one of the teams on Saturday in Osara, said that each committee had nine members.
“The measure is targeted at preventing the radicalisation of the youths. It will also ensure prompt response to violent extremism among youths in communities considered vulnerable,” he said.
Olajuyigbe said that the CARTS project was in pursuance of an ActionAid programme tagged: “System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism in Kogi State.”
He said that similar teams had been inaugurated in Ofuloko, Okpapata and Aku in Igalalamela and Adavi Local Governments.
Olajuyigbe, however, said that effective community-led initiatives in countering radicalisation to violent extremism required investment from a wide network of stakeholders, and stressed the need for stakeholders to build mutual trust.
He emphasised the need for a community-led initiative that would promote social cohesion and public safety.
“Such initiative must focus on preventing violent extremism through engagement, education, building connections and targeting interventions,” he said.
He said that the teams would be trained on vulnerability analysis, early warning system and emergency response to help ensure that government policies and practices were responsive to local realities.