### Violence in Nigeria: the importance of local governance to prevent the crisis
Over the years, Nigeria has been the scene of recurring violence that have led to the movement of thousands of people. A recent tragic event took place in Yelewata, in the state of Benue, where a deadly attack left several dozen dead and forced more than 6,000 residents to flee their home. This new drama, which occurred on June 13 and 14, 2025, once again highlights historical tensions deeply anchored between communities of breeders and farmers in this central region of the country.
### The roots of violence
The violence observed in the state of Benue are the result of a complex combination of factors. Among them are desertification, the unequal distribution of land, the proliferation of weapons in certain regions and often inadequate local governance. For Professor Joseph Ochogwu, conflict resolution expert, the lack of solid administration at local level exacerbates these tensions. In his analysis, he stresses that local communities are vital for conflict management, but they are often weakened by a system where they must depend on states, which hinders their ability to provide basic services such as education or health.
### The need for a local response
This weakening of local communities leaves vulnerable populations and without recourse to violence. As Ochogwu indicates, young people demonstrate to require answers and management of the problems which affect them directly. The rise of external actors, who take advantage of this institutional emptiness to assert their control, is worrying. Local authorities must therefore be revalued and strengthen their position to restore the confidence of communities towards the State.
The professor also stresses that the army, despite its efforts, cannot deploy its forces throughout Nigerian territory simultaneously. The great extent of the country therefore complicates the military response to violence, making local governance all the more essential.
### Action calls
Faced with this cycle of violence, experts and actors of civil society plead in favor of a political consensus which favors the prevention of violence. This implies not only a revaluation of the role of local authorities, but also a serious involvement of the Nigerian political elites. The question then arises: how can these elites be encouraged to invest in lasting and lasting solutions?
The creation of inclusive dialogue systems within communities could be a path to reconciliation. Encourage local leaders to actively engage in conflict resolution could also provide concrete solutions adapted to local specificities. Awareness initiatives should be set up to educate young people on the challenges of peaceful coexistence.
### The situation of the displaced
In addition to these governance challenges, the humanitarian situation of the displaced by Yelewata and the surroundings remains extremely worrying. The National Association of Rescue (NEMA), the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have opened reception camps in Makurdi, where around 3,000 men, women and children are fighting to obtain drinking water, food and essential medical care. How to ensure that the basic needs of displaced people are met without a solid local administration system?
### Towards a collective awareness
It is essential to recognize that to evolve towards a more peaceful future, Nigeria will have to initiate deep and vigorous reforms in matters of governance. Responsibility is not only based on state shoulders, but also on civil society, which must play an active role in promoting peace and community development. The question remains open: how to promote a constructive dialogue between all stakeholders to transform the deep causes of conflicts into lasting solutions?
In a context as complex as that of Nigeria, the need for a nuanced and collaborative approach seems imperative. The solutions must be adapted to local realities, while involving the population in the process, in order to build bridges rather than accentuating the cleavages. It is now an issue for the whole country, because each step towards peace is an investment in the better future for all Nigerian communities.