Int’l Alert: Negative Narratives Fueling North West Violence

• Specific negative narratives fuel violence in Nigeria’s North West, says International Alert-Nigeria’s Country Director during a workshop in Abuja
• Bemshima stresses countering these narratives and using alternative communication tools to address radicalization and insecurity in the region

According to International Alert-Nigeria, specific negative narratives are perpetuating the ongoing violence in the North West region of Nigeria.

Paul Nyulaku Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, made this assertion during a workshop held in Abuja. The workshop aimed to validate preliminary findings from a Strategic Communications (STRATCOM) Assessment conducted in North West Nigeria, supported by the UK International Development through the Conflict Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).

Bemshima emphasized the importance of countering these narratives to address the root causes of radicalization and insecurity in the region. He highlighted the need for alternative narratives and communication tools to combat negative messages.

The workshop provided a platform to share lessons, insights, and messages that could contribute to addressing insecurity in the North West. Bemshima noted that the key findings from the recent STRATCOM assessment conducted in Kaduna and Zamfara states would be carefully analyzed to determine appropriate actions.

International Alert-Nigeria had previously organized a stakeholders’ meeting in Sokoto, bringing together media practitioners, communication experts, religious leaders, community leaders, and traditional leaders to deliberate on the issue. The aim was to engage various stakeholders in finding holistic solutions to the violence plaguing the region.