A thorough study conducted by researchers at Al-Hikmah University on the communal clashes in the Benue-Nasarawa region reveals a shared understanding among farmers, herders, and traditional leaders regarding the negative impacts of these conflicts. The main findings include:
Diminished Agricultural Output: Ongoing violence disrupts farming activities, contributing to famine and reduced family incomes.
Adverse Effects on Education: The instability and insecurity generated by these clashes hinder children’s education.
Decreased Food Supply in Markets: The overall availability of food in local markets is adversely affected.
Factors worsening these conflicts include poverty, unemployment, and political manipulation, as different groups compete for limited resources and power. A report from USAID highlighted the significant economic burden of this violence, estimating a loss of £13 billion annually over five years.
The rise in criminal activities in areas like Mpape, once a lively tourist destination, underscores failures in law enforcement and the urgent need for better governance to restore safety and economic vitality.
In the Northeast, Boko Haram continues to pose a threat to vital infrastructure, adopting a renewed strategy of terror that undermines government authority and heightens insecurity. The intertwining of economic hardship and crime, as evidenced by local violent incidents, illustrates the complex security challenges in the region.
Similarly, banditry in the Northwest is driven by territorial disputes and competition for resources. Recent clashes indicate a volatile environment, and while the elimination of key bandit leaders may provide temporary relief, it risks igniting further violence among rival factions.
Law enforcement issues persist, as shown by the violent arrest of Prince Amaechi and other incidents of police brutality. This erodes public trust and complicates efforts to combat organised crime effectively.
Recommendations
- Encourage Inclusive Dialogue: Government initiatives should prioritise conversations among communities to address underlying tensions and promote cooperation.
- Enhance Security Operations: Increased intelligence gathering and security presence in conflict-prone areas are needed to deter banditry and violent crime.
- Tackle Socioeconomic Disparities: Implement targeted policies to alleviate poverty and unemployment, which are significant drivers of conflict.
- Reform Law Enforcement Practices: Establish oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability in police conduct, thereby rebuilding public trust.
- Strengthen Community Engagement: Encourage local collaborations in security operations to leverage community knowledge and improve safety measures.
- Focus on Infrastructure Protection: Develop strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure from vandalism and theft to ensure public safety and economic stability.
The government can work towards reducing conflicts and enhancing the overall security landscape in the affected regions by adopting these recommendations.