The emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, has called for collective efforts by governments in West Africa and other stakeholders to tackle radicalisation and terrorism in the region.
In an interview with journalists in his palace, the monarch said for West Africa to regain its lost glory, radicalisation, violent extremism and other security challenges must be addressed.
Abubakar said, “Today, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region is facing a phenomenon of terrorism with risks of spreading to many countries. This phenomenon is fostered by radicalisation and violent extremism.
“Terrorism has taken a big toll on human lives. It has hampered development, created mutual suspicion, and challenged the social cohesion that we built over the years. So, if we must develop as a region and get our desired place in the world, we must strive to end terrorism. There is no country that prospered with terrorism activities. They are destructive.”
On how to address radicalisation and violent extremism, the monarch suggested that African values should be revived, adding that all stakeholders should preach peace, mutual respect, tolerance, empathy, and love for one another.
“Our values are good but we are no longer respecting them. We must focus our preaching on peace. We should respect one another. We should be tolerant, not violent. And above all, if we have empathy and love for one another, I believe that will help in countering or discouraging radicalisation and violent extremism.
“I advise young people to obey constituted authorities, respect their elders and follow the wise counsel of their parents. Lack of willingness to obey constituted authorities make some of the youths to join terrorists’ groups. Parents and elders should be doing wise counselling to our young people. If young people don’t have respect for authorities and parents and elders do not counsel them, they tend to be radicalised and join terrorists’ groups,” he said.
The emir, who said traditional and religious leaders have pivotal roles in conflict prevention, mediation and resolution, urged them to be objective, honest, balanced and just in order to maintain their influence and credibility.
