Before: For over a decade, the neighbouring communities of Abuator and Igbuku in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State have been embroiled in a bitter boundary dispute. This ongoing conflict has strained relations between the communities, severely limiting movement and interaction while fostering tensions over access to shared spaces and resources.
Such localised disputes highlight a pressing issue identified in SDN’s *Devil’s Workshop* research: insecurity in the Niger Delta stems from more than just criminal activity. Unresolved conflicts, weak local governance, and a lack of economic opportunities, combined with social and economic exclusion, fuel tensions and can lead to violence and crime. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for fostering peace and collaboration between communities.
After: Through SDN’s innovative community-centred peacebuilding program, implemented in partnership with Search for Common Ground, the communities of Abuator and Igbuku came together for a friendly football match and a cultural exchange, integral parts of a well-structured peace process. These events gave residents a vital opportunity to rebuild trust and engage with one another without the threat of confrontation. As a result, both communities reported a significant resolution to their longstanding boundary dispute, enabling neighbours to visit freely, liberated from the fear of attack or harassment that had previously marred their interactions. This newfound unity also shaped the way the communities approached emerging challenges.
When the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) installed solar-powered streetlights along their common boundary, the communities held round-table discussions to agree on a fair way to share this valuable resource, preventing potential disputes. “Honestly, the friendly match has transformed our relationship with the Igbuku community. The longstanding boundary issues have been settled, allowing for safe visits between our communities. The recent installation of solar-powered streetlights from the NDDC has also been shared fairly through open dialogue. We owe this progress to SDN and Search for Common Ground for their remarkable initiative.” — Mr Kingsley, Youth President, Abuator Community
“Frankly speaking, the novelty match has brought improved peaceful coexistence between our community and Igbuku community… the long-lasting boundary dispute between us and Igbuku community has been resolved after the football match. They are now visiting our community without fear of attack and molestation, unlike before… Even the recent solar-powered street lights from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were equitably shared by the two communities through a round table dialogue. All thanks to SDN and Search for Common Ground for this initiative.” — Mr Kingsley, Youth President, Abuator Community
Source: SDN’s final narrative report to the EU, “A Community-Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta.”
