The Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network, Jigawa State chapter, has called on residents to see peace and security as a collective responsibility, warning that violent extremism can only be prevented through unity, vigilance and active community participation.

The chairman of the network, Musbahu Basirka, made the call on Tuesday while addressing journalists at a press conference in Dutse. He cautioned residents against taking the state’s relative peace for granted, noting that Jigawa remains vulnerable due to its location within a region facing persistent security challenges.

Basirka said the North-West continues to grapple with violent extremism, banditry, kidnapping and organised crime, challenges worsened by porous borders and economic hardship. He stressed that although Jigawa has enjoyed relative stability, the evolving nature of insecurity demands constant alertness from all stakeholders.

According to him, research and field experience show that youth unemployment, rural poverty, weak early warning systems and the presence of armed groups make young people especially susceptible to extremist influence. He added that security agencies alone cannot effectively address these issues.

“Peace cannot be achieved by security forces alone. It must be built at the community level through inclusion, dialogue and opportunity,” Basirka said.

He disclosed that the PAVE Network has been working with government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, as well as women and youth groups, to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism in the state.

Basirka revealed that Technical Working Groups have been trained and activated to develop State and Local Action Plans on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE). He added that sensitisation programmes have helped communities better understand the drivers of extremism and practical ways to counter it.

Commending the Jigawa State Government, he said its willingness to engage stakeholders and integrate PCVE priorities into planning and budgeting processes reflects a strong commitment to sustainable peace.

He also highlighted the implementation of 15-day community resilience campaigns in selected local government areas, where residents were sensitised on peace education, tolerance and resisting extremist narratives.

“These engagements showed that communities are ready to take responsibility for their own safety when they are properly informed and involved,” he said.

Despite the progress, Basirka acknowledged lingering challenges such as youth unemployment, insecurity in neighbouring states and weak information-sharing at the local government level. He urged residents to remain vigilant, support community alert systems and called on traditional and religious leaders, youths and women to play active roles in promoting peace and resilience.