Benue State University, Makurdi

The Impact of Militia Violence on Socio-Economic Development in Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State

Timothy Utile & Claire Kwembeh

Abstract

The paper examined the impact of militia violence on socioeconomic development in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The study adopted the relative deprivation theory as the theoretical framework of analysis. Primary and secondary sources of data were used for the study. The study is carried out on the 292,900 residents of Ukum local government. That the violence is caused as a result of struggle for resource control. Poverty, unemployment and irregular boundary demarcations are amongst the causes of violence in Ukum Local Government which has brought about security challenges in the area over time. Criminal youth gangs have been known for committing heinous crimes. These crimes are perpetrated due to the proliferation of small and light weapons in the hands of the youth many of who had been armed by the politicians to fight their dirty battles in order to win elections at all cost. One of the cardinal consequence of armed militia activities in Ukum Local Government Area is the general loss of lives and properties. The study in line with the findings recommended that, the task of crime prevention and control is not to be left in the hands of the government or the security agencies alone, as everyone must strive to achieve a lasting peace and orderliness in the local government. Thus, a comprehensive security strategy that greatly involves stakeholders and citizens must be put in place to effectively tackle armed robbery and other sundry crimes militating against the socio-economic development of the area.

DOWNLOAD COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE (CLICK)