URBAN VIOLENCE DIMENSION IN NIGERIA: FARMERS AND HERDERS ONSLAUGHT

Abstract

Nigeria is a deeply divided multiethnic state par excellence. Every ethnic group has its unique socio-cultural and political economy patterns. As humans interact daily, there are clashes in some interactions due to uncoordinated and divergent interests of the involving parties. The farmers’ and herders’ clashes are dimensions of such interaction in Nigeria. In recent times, the rate of clashes among the herders and the farmers had become alarming. It had cost the country a fortune in terms of socio political and economic stability. Farmers had abandoned fertile farmlands due to cattle invasion which destroys tender crops. The resultant responses include cattle rustling and killing of trespassing animals by farmers while the herdsmen invade communities to kill everyone possible. Community members had become internally displaced and the social contract with the state is in jeopardy. The question the paper seeks answer to is does the agricultural sector of Nigeria have a viable policy prospect with the frequent farmers and herders’ clashes? Conflict theory will be use to explain farmers-herdsmen clashes phenomenon. Conclusion and recommendations are premised on good neighbourliness and respect for the rule of law.