Transformational effect of training in nonviolent communication: A case study of training of vigilante groups in Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria Andrew Wayuta Mshelia1,*, Mshelia Birma2 1Program Manager, Hope Interactive, Northeast Office, Nigeria 2Hope Interactive, Nigeria *Corresponding author: wayutamshelia@gmail.com
Online Published on 25 July, 2023. Abstract Vigilantes in Nigeria are known to compliment the work of security agencies. They are widely spread across the state and have contributed enormously to stability in many communities, local government areas, and the state. They vary in organizational structure and have names based on location and context. In places where there are no formal state actors (security), the vigilante, in collaboration with community leaders, forms a structure of policing within the community to maintain law and order. Over the years, with the rise in an insurgency, the relevance of vigilantes has become more pronounced, and they support security operatives during formal engagements. The knowledge and the practical understanding that the vigilantes possess help in finding a solution to many complex problems. As they support community safety, there are often gaps in how the vigilantes relate to or respond to security matters within the community since most of them do not have formal training before joining the vigilante group. In this context, training in peace-building and conflict de-escalation is essential. In this backdrop, this paper explores the transformational effect of training vigilantes in the Gandhian model of nonviolent communication. It captures the impact of a sustained training program organized for vigilantes in Yobe, north-eastern Nigeria. Top Keywords Nonviolent communication, Vigilante, Gandhian model of nonviolent communication, Local Government Area (LGA), Conflict de-escalation. Top |