By Sarafina Christopher
The Executive Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Mr Rafiu Lawal, has criticised Nigeria’s rehabilitation and reintegration approach, saying the country was rewarding criminals while neglecting victims of violence.
Lawal said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said government responses to insecurity had created a dangerous precedent, where those who engaged in violence eventually gained attention, benefits and opportunities, while law-abiding citizens and victims were left behind.
According to him, the current system sends the wrong signal to young people and communities battling poverty and frustration.
“The way we are doing rehabilitation and reintegration in Nigeria promotes criminality and provides incentives for criminals.
“Those who remained peaceful and pursued legitimate means became disadvantaged, while those who caused trouble were rewarded.
“If a person sees others getting government attention, contracts or opportunities after violence, the temptation is to follow the same path,” he said.
Lawal said many victims who lost relatives, homes, farms and livelihoods during conflicts were often abandoned, while former militants and offenders were prioritised in rehabilitation programmes.
“The person who committed the crime is being rehabilitated, empowered and even sent abroad, while the victim who lost everything is forgotten.
“It should not be so. We must balance justice, reconciliation and support for victims,” he said.
He cited past amnesty and reintegration initiatives in parts of the country, saying they had contributed to a growing belief that violence was the quickest route to state recognition.
According to him, such an approach risks encouraging more unrest if not urgently reviewed.
Lawal urged the government to adopt a more balanced peacebuilding strategy that addressed the needs of victims alongside deradicalisation and reintegration efforts.
He also called for greater investment in education, jobs, healthcare and community development as long-term solutions to insecurity.
“We need to stop rewarding violence and start rewarding peace, enterprise and responsible citizenship.
“If the government creates opportunities, protects lives and ensures justice, many of these conflicts will naturally reduce,” he said.
Lawal said tackling insecurity required a comprehensive approach involving government, civil society, the media, traditional institutions and communities.
He added that sustainable peace could only be achieved when governance failures, corruption and injustice were addressed.(NAN)
Edited by Mark Longyen
