UGEP— As part of its ongoing intervention to reduce gender-based violence (GBV) in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, Partners for Peace (P4P) Cross River chapter recently organised a community dialogue and training session targeting traditional leaders, youth groups, women, and other peace actors. The training highlighted the critical role of substance abuse — particularly alcohol, tramadol, and cannabis — in driving domestic violence in the area.
The activity, part of P4P's intervention tagged "Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Reduction in Ugep", also led to the formation and inauguration of a Drugs/GBV Monitoring Committee, headed by the PFN Chairman of Ugep. The committee will coordinate community-based efforts to monitor substance use and curb GBV.
In his remarks, P4P Cross River State Coordinator Eteng Eteng, represented by the secretary, emphasized that drugs remain one of the major causes of GBV in Yakurr. He noted that when communities, through age grades and other traditional structures, mainstream drugs and GBV awareness into their programs, it can significantly reduce the incidence of domestic violence.
During the training, facilitators highlighted how excessive alcohol consumption and non-medical use of tramadol and cannabis escalate domestic tensions, fuel aggression, and undermine family cohesion. Evidence from community health research across Nigeria, including Cross River State, shows that these substances are widely abused, particularly among youths, contributing to reckless behaviour and conflicts at home.
Facilitators further explained that alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, increasing the likelihood of verbal and physical abuse, while tramadol abuse exacerbates aggression and mood swings, and cannabis use is linked to impaired social functioning and household conflict.
The dialogue encouraged community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen early reporting systems, and support access to rehabilitation services, stressing that tackling substance abuse is key to reducing GBV and promoting community security.
Community leaders present at the event pledged vigilance and cooperation with peace actors to mitigate substance-driven violence. "We must not only address the symptoms but also the socio-economic factors that push our youths towards substance misuse," said one traditional ruler.
P4P committed to expanding similar training across neighbouring local government areas and to working with NGOs, schools, and religious organizations to embed drug abuse prevention and conflict resolution modules into community programs.
The initiative reinforces broader peacebuilding efforts in Cross River State, aiming to reduce household conflict, foster non-violent dispute resolution, and improve the safety and well-being of residents.
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