Benue State University, Makurdi

COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN THE NORTH EAST: A TRANS-GENERATIONAL APPROACH

OCHOGWU, Joseph Peter^*
OKECHUKWU, Maximilian Uche^*

Abstract

Since the year 1804, the Northern Region has experienced religious extremist activities ranging from Jihads to Maitatsine of 1980s in Kano and inter-communal clashes. Violent Extremism is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the Nigeria's nation building process. The mayhem which was begun in 2009 by the Boko Haram and this has left the North East in a state of disarray, under development, desertion and death. Though the Nigerian Government has applied both military and political means towards countering violent extremism in the North East, all efforts seem to be futile and like the mythical Hydra, Boko Haram keeps on growing and perpetuating their acts of evil despite all concerted efforts to curb them. This study provides another approach towards countering violent extremism in the North East. The Trans-generational approach engages not only the Nigerian Government but the people who are the primary targets and the most affected by violent extremism in the North East.

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