Peacebuilding Initiatives and Community Security in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between peacebuilding initiatives and community security in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The study was motivated by persistent community-level security challenges and the need to determine whether locally implemented peacebuilding mechanisms are associated with improved perceptions of safety and security. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The accessible population included eligible adult residents and relevant stakeholders across selected communities, and 424 questionnaires were planned for administration to account for non-response. The inferential analysis included 300 valid responses. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire covering peacebuilding initiatives and community security. They were analysed using means, standard deviations, Pearson product–moment correlation, and simple linear regression at the .05 significance level. Respondents reported that peacebuilding initiatives were implemented to a great extent (M = 3.49, SD = 0.99), and perceived community security was also high (M = 3.49, SD = 0.97). Peacebuilding initiatives were strongly and positively related to community security, r = .684, p < .001, N = 300. Regression analysis further showed a positive predictive association (B = 0.634, β = .684, t = 15.24, p < .001). The study concludes that stronger implementation of community dialogue, traditional and community leadership participation, collaboration with security agencies, and community-based security arrangements is associated with stronger community security in Bwari Area Council. It recommends strengthening inclusive community peacebuilding, early-warning mechanisms, youth and women’s participation, victim support, and community-oriented security collaboration. Because the design is cross-sectional and non-experimental, the findings are interpreted as associations and predictive relationships rather than proof of causation.