ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mr Isaac Armstrong, has called on youth within the sub-region to shun violence and extremism that had caused the destruction of lives and property.
Armstrong made the call on Wednesday in Bauchi at the opening of a two-day workshop, organized by the commission for youth.
Armstrong said that the call become necessary considering the increasing acts of terrorism and violent extremism being witnessed in West Africa that had led to destruction of lives and property, as well as displacement of innocent people.
Armstrong asserted that the fight against violent extremism could only be successful through integrated and comprehensive approach at local, national, regional, continental and global levels.
He said that agencies, institutions, communities and organizations must work together to overcome the scourge of violent extremism.
He observed that the extreme ideologies that stirred up violence were often transferred to innocent people in the region who fell victims due to ignorance or got persuaded by false doctrines or peer pressure.
He blamed such negative development on socio-economic factors, poor family values, misguided print and electronic media information, growing negative impact of internet and social media platforms, as well as religious doctrines.
The commissioner commended efforts being made by Nigerian Government in its fight against insurgents, just as he condemned the recent abduction of school girls in Dapchi town of Yobe.
While declaring the workshop open, Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State expressed dismay over the activities of Boko-Haram insurgents,especially the indoctrination of youth by the sect.
Abubakar said that the state was playing host to thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) thereby over- stretching social amenities in the state.
The governor called on non-governmental organizations to join the crusade, adding that the state government had not relented in creating employment opportunities for the youth to curb the menace. (NAN)
