Search for Common Ground Nigeria has strengthened its partnership with the Benue State Government following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the formal introduction of the R2 for Peace Project aimed at improving early warning and rapid response to violence in parts of North-Central Nigeria.
The project, titled Rapid Response: Immediate Protection and Early Warning Support to Violence-Affected Communities, will be implemented across Benue State, Nasarawa State, Plateau State and Taraba State.
A delegation from the organization led by Africa Regional Director Rajendra Mulmi and Country Director About Karno Outtara met with senior government officials in Benue to deepen collaboration on addressing recurring violence and strengthening community protection mechanisms.
Representing Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Aber, expressed appreciation to Spirit of America for supporting the initiative and commended Search for Common Ground for its continued commitment to peacebuilding in the region.
Aber noted that Early Warning and Early Response systems remain vital tools for achieving sustainable peace, especially in communities that frequently experience violent conflicts.
She said the state government is committed to working with partners to strengthen community protection mechanisms and reduce the risk of violence.
The Benue State Government also pledged to mobilise relevant stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the project in selected communities within Guma Local Government Area and Logo Local Government Area.
Supported by Spirit of America, the R2 for Peace Project aims to reduce the incidence and severity of religious and intergroup violence by strengthening multi-level Early Warning and Early Response systems across the four participating states.
According to the organisers, the initiative will promote stronger collaboration between government institutions and local communities, enabling earlier detection of potential risks and quicker responses to emerging threats.
They added that the approach is expected to help prevent the escalation of violence and improve protection for vulnerable communities across the region.