The Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network held a critical forum in Lagos, bringing together media professionals, civil society groups, security experts, and community leaders to raise awareness about violent extremism and how to prevent it before it spirals out of control.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Media Against Violent Extremism (MAVE), focused on two key states, Lagos and Ogun, where early warning signs of insecurity are starting to emerge.
WHY THIS FORUM MATTERS
The goal of the forum was simple: to alert the public and authorities about the growing risks of violent extremism, understand the root causes, and collectively find solutions.
According to Senator Iroegbu, media consultant and coordinator of PAVE Network, violent extremism is not just a security issue, it’s a development problem. When people lack education, jobs, basic amenities, or feel ignored by those in power, they become vulnerable to manipulation by extremist groups.
“It’s about grievances. If young people don’t have opportunities, they become easy targets for recruitment into violence,” he said.
He emphasized that violent ideologies often thrive where there is poor governance and deep inequality. The fight against extremism is not only the responsibility of the police or military, it involves all of us.
SECURITY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS
The forum stressed the importance of community-led solutions. Extremists don’t wear uniforms. They live among us. This means local communities must play a central role in keeping their environments safe.
“In the past, our communities worked together to keep each other safe. Today, urbanization has made us strangers. We need to go back to watching out for one another,” Iroegbu added.
The Southwest, like other regions, faces its own unique threats like cultism, land grabbing, ethnic tension, hate speech, and porous borders. These issues, if not tackled early, could explode into crises.
A VOICE FOR PEACE AND UNITY
Mrs. Precious Igbonwelundu, Assistant News Editor at The Nation Newspaper, stressed the role of journalists and civil society organizations in promoting peace.
“We have a duty to report, but also to amplify voices of unity. We must highlight issues early, before they lead to violence,” she said.
She warned that violent extremism is not a faraway problem anymore. It is growing in the South, and it affects everyone, regardless of tribe or religion.
THE NEED FOR REAL GOVERNMENT ACTION
Alhaji (Prince) Awofeso Rasheed Ololade, CEO of Children and Community Protection Network, didn’t hold back. He called on the government to step up in areas like arms control, border security, and national data management.
“We don’t even know how many people are in Nigeria. Without a reliable database, tracking criminals becomes almost impossible,” he said.
He also stressed the need to educate the next generation on tolerance and unity, saying this must start from the school system.
MEDIA: A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD
Mrs. Evelyn Usman, Deputy Crime Editor from Vanguard Newspaper, addressed the media’s critical role in shaping narratives.
“Yes, the media can be a trigger for violence when we report with bias or sensationalism. But we can also be a force for peace if we focus on the victims, promote unity, and report fairly,” she said.
She urged journalists to set aside personal interests and focus on national interest, especially when covering sensitive security issues.
TAKEAWAYS AND ACTION POINTS
1. Violent extremism is growing across Nigeria not just in the North.
2. Poverty, poor governance, and lack of education are key drivers.
3. Every segment of society has a role to play from the media to religious leaders, to government and local communities.
4. Security starts at the community level, we must return to being our “brother’s keeper”.
5. The government must improve data systems, job creation, and youth empowerment.
6. The media must report responsibly, highlight solutions, and avoid fueling conflict.
CONCLUSION: TOGETHER, WE CAN PREVENT VIOLENCE
The PAVE forum was not just a discussion, it was a wake-up call. Nigeria is facing increasing threats from within. But with unity, awareness, and collaboration between the people and their leaders, violence and extremism can be stopped before it spreads further.
Let’s all play our part, see something, say something. The future of our communities depends on it.