In recent years, grassroots peacebuilding has gained prominence as a crucial mechanism for sustainable conflict resolution in post-crisis regions of Nigeria. Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, offers a compelling case where traditional institutions and youth actors are actively engaged in peacebuilding efforts following the Boko Haram insurgency and recurrent communal clashes. This study explores the roles, interactions, and tensions between traditional authorities and youth groups in the peacebuilding landscape of Yola. Drawing on qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions, the research highlights how traditional leaders utilize cultural authority for mediation and conflict resolution, while youth leverage innovative tools such as advocacy, community outreach, and digital activism. The findings reveal both areas of synergy and points of friction between these groups, underscoring the need for an inclusive, hybrid approach to peacebuilding. The study recommends fostering intergenerational collaboration and institutional reforms that acknowledge the evolving roles of local actors. This research contributes to the discourse on locally owned and culturally embedded peace strategies in fragile urban environments.
Elisha et al. (Thu,) studied this question.