THE IMPLICATIONS OF HERDSMEN ATTACKS ON NIGERIA NATIONAL SECURITY: A STUDY OF BENUE STATE

Abstract

In the recent years, the orgy of violence and indiscriminate slaughter of human beings by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State have the capacity to undermine Nigeria’s national security. This study examines the factors responsible for the herdsmen attacks on Nigeria national security in Benue State. It would also determine the implications of these attacks, and finally suggest measures needed to effectively combat the herder’s attacks. The hypothesis of this study is that there is no significant relationship between herdsmen attacks and national security in Nigeria. The study will adopt both primary and secondary method of data collection as its main sources of data. The primary source of data is questionnaire administration. On the other hand, the secondary method of data collection will include textbooks, newspapers, journals, magazines, etc. The methodology is quantitative research which places emphasis on the statistical data and the use of such data to test the hypothesis. The theoretical framework for this study is Governance theory. The survey investigated 300 respondents comprising the security personnel in charge of the operational units of herdsmen and community leaders, religious organizations(Christians and Muslims), herdsmen association(MACBAN), farmers associations, women and youth associations and the adult household(father and mother). The results showed that herdsmen attacks have negative implications such as insecurity of lives and property, unemployment, food insecurity, etc. The study therefore recommends effective intelligence gathering and sharing mechanism among the security agencies both within the country, and between Nigeria and her neighbors. Also, the leadership of the country should muster enough political will to deal decisively and effectively with herdsmen attacks on farmers that undermine national security in Nigeria, among others.