THE MENACE OF HERDSMEN IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examines the menace of herdsmen in Ovia North East local Government area Edo state. The objectives of this study is to ascertain the threats of some herdsmen to the people in Ovia North East, Edo State, to determine the causes of the menace of some herdsmen conflicts with farmers, to assess the effect of the menace of some herdsmen on the security situation in Ovia North-East, Edo State, to determine how the solution to this menace can be provided. The study adopted the survey research design. The sample size for this study was 250 participants. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. It was built around the research question by the researcher and validated by the supervisor. Data collected were analysed using frequency count, percentages, and mean. The major findings of the study revealed that the menace of herdsmen has affected the country’s security, socio-economic development, religious and educational activities, political instability and threatened the national unity in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended that a clear demarcation should be made for all the nomadic activities and cattle rearing to be moved away from the crop growing areas. The immigration service at the various entry points to Nigeria should be proactive and regularise the number of nomads who enter the country, Socialisation and integration of the herdsmen into the various communities to mitigate the causes of the conflict. Socialisation and integration of the herdsmen in to the various communities to mitigate the causes of the conflict. Indeed, the life of the herdsmen is totally different, however, the hostile attitude by the local community have also contributed to it.