Bunkprugu-Nakpanduri MP calls for job opportunities to curb youth involvement in conflicts

The Member of Parliament for, Dr. Abed Bandim, has highlighted the urgent need for more job opportunities to engage the youth in his constituency, which he believes will help reduce conflicts in the area.

In an exclusive interview with Media General reporter Solomon Kwame Kanaluwe, MP Dr. Abed Bandim expressed his concerns about poverty and underdevelopment in the Bunkprugu-Nakpanduri area. He noted that many young people are idle, especially during the dry season when farming activities slow down. Bandim stated, “I understand, we are poor, we are underdeveloped. The youth are idle, especially in the dry season. You know the people are basically farmers. In the rainy season, we don’t hear issues of conflict, but because we have only two seasons, during the dry season the youth have no jobs. An idle hand, they say, is being used by the devil.”

He pointed out that the lack of employment opportunities leads to increased tribal and ethnic violence during the dry season. Bandim believes that providing more job opportunities for the youth will help to stop these conflicts.

The MP also praised the Ministry of Interior for its quick response to his call for increased security presence and equipment in the area. He urged the newly confirmed District Chief Executive (DCE), chiefs, and other stakeholders to work together and engage the youth in meaningful activities. He emphasized the importance of using proper channels to resolve chieftaincy and land disputes in the district to prevent further violence.

The situation in the Bunkprugu-Nakpanduri district remains tense. There have been ongoing chieftaincy and land disputes among the Bimoba settlements, leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties, including burnt houses and food supplies. Communities such as Ngama Gberuk and Naniik continue to be deserted, with schools and health facilities non-operational for several months. Teachers and health workers posted in the district have all fled the area due to safety concerns.

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The North East Region Security Council (REGSEC) has held meetings with local chiefs and conflict parties to encourage a ceasefire and address their concerns through dialogue. Despite these efforts, police sources report that destruction and burnings have continued for several weeks in the deserted communities.

MP Dr. Abed Bandim expressed satisfaction with the regular patrols and police enforcement set up by the Ministry of Interior, which he believes have helped to reduce attacks in the area.

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