INTERNATIONALInternational Journal JOURN of QualitativeAL OF Q ResearchUALITATIVE, 1 (1), 61 R-72ESEARCH Journal Homepage: https://ojs.literacyinstitute.org/index.php/ijqr ISSN: 2798-6047 (Online)

Research Article

Volume 1 Issue 1 July (2021) DOI: 10.47540/ijqr.v1i1.307 Page: 61 – 72

The Implication of Farmers - Herders Conflicts on the Socio-Economic Development of Omala L.G.A, Kogi State, North Central Obi Success Esomchi1, Sunny Odikpa2, Edegbo Sunday Jeremiah3, Abubakar Yakubu Emeje4, Onuche Godwin5 1Obicity Concept International, Data Analyst and Field Data Collector, Nigeria 2Department of History and International Studies, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria 3Department of Political Science, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria 4Department of Philosophy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria 5Department of Theatre Arts, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria Corresponding Author: Obi Success Esomchi; Email: [email protected]

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Keywords: Conflicts, Development, Famers’- Herders’ conflict has become a widespread occurrence spreading to all Farmers - Herders, Social and parts of Nigeria. The study examined how farmers-herdsmen conflict constitutes a Economic Consequences. threat to rural development, internal security, and socio-economic development in Nigeria about Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Received : 28 May 2020 The study adopted the qualitative method making use of semi-structured interviews Revised : 29 July 2021 and 100 informants were purposively selected. Findings from the study revealed Accepted : 30 July 2021 among others that; Crop damage by cattle, land encroachment without permission, inadequate grazing reserves, lack of access to water points, killing of stray cattle, pollution of the water point, cattle routes blockage, Mbororo migrants, ECOWAS treaty, fertile land of the host community, socio-economic, cultural differences, the political economy of cattle herders were major causes and persistence of farmers- pastoralists conflicts. The study among others recommends that; since farmers- pastoralists conflicts were resource-based conflict due to blockage of cattle route by farmers which eventually leads to encroachment of farmers land and thus translate to open violence and animosity, there is a need for resignification of cattle routes for the pastoralist to have a route to avoid farmlands encroachment, regarding the transit route for irregular migrants through , , , , Chad, , it is suggested that the Minister of Interior should initiate dialogue with the neighboring governments on how to address and curb the rising number of migrants transiting border Nations. Based on the study findings, to end this crisis once and for all, there is a need for the consideration of cattle colonies implementation while implementing former recommendations.

INTRODUCTION of which half a portion of the region falls within the Nigeria is made up of six geo-political zones Sudan savannah while the remaining half within the which are North West, North Central, North East, savannah. South West, South East, South-South of which the According to Aristotle in one of his greatest North-Central Region has six states which include: aphorisms, in Obi, et al (2018) he said; “Man by Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau nature is a political animal”. This assertion is states. Nigeria`s Federal Capital Territory Abuja is hunched on two factors: (i) there is a scarce also located in the region of the country. And it’s resource in the society (ii) many people subscribe to central location accounts for part of the reasons why this scarce resource, and in the process of allocating it is often called the Region of Nigeria. or distributing this resource, conflict becomes The region is a combination of two vegetation belts inevitable in the society because man as a pleasure 61

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 seeker and pain avoider tend to encroach the between pastoralists and farmers has been a fundamental human rights of others which in turn reoccurring decimal spreading all over the country translate to conflict. That is, resource use constitutes and has led to the disastrous damage of rural the breeding factor of conflict between man and his infrastructures such as schools, health care centers, fellow man. Nigeria since 2015 has suffered from markets, social/business activities, and human the socio-economic and political mayhem unleashed capital development of an incredible dimension. by two groups that are necessary to the survival of These conflicts in Nigeria started on a mild the Nigeria State (pastoralists; cattle herders and tune, with few attacks in the northern part of the Farmers; agricultural producers) as well as rural country, Jos and Benue to be specific, which after, underdevelopment caused by the destruction of spread to the other regions with different lives and properties worth millions of Naira, dimensions and varying degrees of damages, both destruction of social facilities like burning of on human and properties (Albert, 2010). As primary health care centers, markets among others pastoralists continue to wreak havoc on innocent which are the aspect of rural industrialization (Obi, farmers in virtually all parts of the country, and the Job, Isyaku, Letswa, and Kolawole, 2018). government appears to do practically little or Farmers-pastoralists conflicts are majorly nothing to stem the tide of this crisis. Equally, the caused by economic livelihood in issue of Boko Haram and climate change also posed (Tonah, 2006). Subsequently, clashes getting a threat to the Fulani herdsmen to search for arable sporadic have spread in many parts of the nation. land for their cattle to graze. Boko Haram This view is supported by Kolawole, et al (1993), insurgency for instance has ravaged the northeastern Kolawole and Bukar, (1994), Blench (2003), region of the nation making the province difficult Kolawole (1991), Gefu and Kolawole (2002), for nomads and their cattle to grazing (Adeniyi Ouagadougou (2002). Nigeria has witnessed and is 2016). still witnessing a myriad of conflicts that have Between 1999 and 2015, cases of conflict, challenged and threatened rural, socio-economic confrontation, killings between farmers and herders development, internal security, and unity of the abound between indigenes of the area they moved nation. Most of these crises are propelled by socio- to. The print and electronic media have reported economic (resource control agitation)/political cases of clashes between the pastoralist from the affiliation, and the behavioral propensity of ethnic North and the inhabitants of the Plateau, Kogi (10 and religious identity by ethnic groups in the people feared dead in Omi community of Yagbe- Nigeria state. However, the transition from a East LGA) and Benue in the Northcentral of the military regime to civil administration in 1999 country and some states of the southeast seems to have aggravated these crises and have geopolitical zone (Vanguard Newspaper, December become more pronounced and widespread in almost 17, 2017). The Sun Newspaper of June 30th, 2014 all parts of the country. The proportional propensity reported of conflict between the pastoralist and the of the dynamic nature of insurgency, kidnappings, Agatu people of Benue State and this conflict armed robbery, terrorism, agitation for secession, caused the death of many lives/devastation of and farmers-pastoralists conflict (pastoral vs arable) properties worth millions of Naira. For example, in Nigeria are threatening overall national Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State which is of development (Gefu & Kolawole, 2002). the view that the state has suffered from farmers- Insecurity of lives and property of the citizen pastoralists conflict, reports that over 1,878 people challenges to meaningful development. An were killed between 2014 and 2017, (Obi, 2019). environment of terror frightens local and overseas A significant number of the Fulanis are investors. It suffices to say that at the heart of these nomadic in nature, herding cattle, sheep, and goats conflictual situations lies disagreement of “who” across the vast dry grasslands of their environs and gets “what” “when” and “how”. These conflicting making them the main pastoral nomadic group in situations have intensified the environment of the world. The Fulani are one of the recognized tension, division among various groups, and population groups found mainly in the Northern disunity which most times translate to open part as well as the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. violence and animosity (Obi, 2019). The conflict The main Fulani sub-group in Nigeria; Fulbe 62

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 Gombe, Fulbe Adamawa, Fulbe Sokoto, Fulbe be dictated by economic and socio-political factors, Mbororo, and Fulbe Borgu (Kasarachi, 2016). increased trends of conflicts between the herdsmen Despite the holy war (jihads) and ethnic dominance and their host communities (farmers) escalated. experienced by the Northern very deep exchange Many Nigerians lost their lives, properties, and relationship persisted between them and the farmland or crops every year to Fulani herdsmen. sedentary farmers. The desert Fulani herdsmen The conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and farmers depended on the savanna farmers for calories, came into existence as a result of the encroachment exchanging salt for grain. The Fulani herdsmen of farmlands by the Fulani herdsmen. This is always unarguably represent a significant part of Nigeria's prevalent during the dry season when farmers burn economy. They are the major breeders of sheep, grasses preparatory to farming and hunting while cattle, and goats as those animals are the major the Fulani herdsmen burn grasses to induce the source of meat and affordable source of animal growth of fresh grasses for their cattle. Grass protein eaten by Nigerians. Awogbade (1983) burning by local farmers and water scarcity during opined that the relationship between farmers and this period impels the Fulani herdsmen to graze in Fulani herdsmen was coming under increasing the valleys where they can still find grasses and pressure due to fierce competition for resources. water for their cattle. During the grazing process, Fulbe herds were still welcome by Jos farmers. The they cross the paths of farmers who find fault in the Fulani herdsmen keep animals for the village destruction of their crops by these animals. This farmers who consider livestock particularly cattle as usually encroaches on farmlands, causing the a form of investment; milk and manure are traded potential destruction of crops. This often results in for agricultural produce. serious conflicts or outright bloodletting. It is The social link between the farmers' during the dry season that short-term agreements population and the Fulani herdsmen are evident in are entered into between host communities ceremonial exchange such as complementary (farmers) and the Fulani herdsmen with an arbitrary interaction and exchanges have also been reported fee charged. of other agricultural societies (Kanuri, and Songhay, Nigeria as a nation-state is under a severe etc.) and the pastoral group (Tuareg, Fulbe) in Niger internal socio-economic and security threat. On a where all cultivators own livestock, and many more general level, the threat has socio-economic, nomads practice agriculture (Berinus, 1974). political, and environmental dimensions. Each of However, Raynaut and Delville (1997) argued that these dimensions has critically affected the stability such a co-existence has never been without tension of the nation and can be traced to the Fulani because it demands a conciliation of rival interests. herdsmen and farmers clash, ethnic militant armies, Conflict can erupt when livestock is poorly ethnic and religious conflicts, poverty, insurgency, controlled, and when Fulani herdsmen wander onto armed robbery, corruption, economic sabotage, and cultivated fields. This has always tended to occur at environmental degradation. Stories are found in the critical periods in the annual cycle, particularly National Dailies daily of how these shepherds during sowing, when Fulani herdsmen are late in strategically attack several host communities and leaving agricultural lands, and during harvests, if houses with sophisticated weapons (Obi, 2019). they return too early. Hence, clashes occur when According to Okereke (2012) and Bello agricultural activities hinder the movement of herds (2013), the conflicts in most parts of Nigeria and cut off their access to water sources or pasture. especially the Fulani herdsmen and farmers' clashes The Fulani own over ninety percent of the are largely uncalled for. Farmers can no longer farm livestock population which accounts for one-third of peacefully because of Fulani herdsmen. The studies agricultural GDP and 3.2% of the entire GDP in conducted by (Okereke, 2012; Kasarachi, 2016) Nigeria (Fabiyi & Otunuga, 2016). The Fulani have shown that serious conflict erupts between herdsmen mostly move with their cattle from one Fulani herdsmen and farmers leading to loss of destination to another in search of grazing land, lives, valuable properties, and destruction of the especially in the dry season. However, the Fulani vast expanse of arable agricultural farmers thereby herdsmen in most cases settled in fertile areas to posing serious threat to food security since farmer rear their cattle and when the migration continued to for fear of attack could no longer go to farm and 63

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 harvest their farm produce. The attacks by Fulani Chronicled pressures between Nigeria herdsmen are on the upsurge, especially the attacks pastoralist Fulani and settled indigenous ranchers in February 2018 happening in Benue state, Taraba have heightened as of late, with decreasing common state, Nassarawa state, and few cases of attack in asset and land accessibility extraordinarily adding to other states. the progressing raising clash in the nation, The killings recorded by Fulani herdsmen and (McCarthy, Swallow, Kirk, Hazell, 2000) Conflict farmers clashes have rampaged most communities for resources is present in our species from ancient displacing them of their farmlands and loss of their past, there is evidence to satisfy such single need as major source of livelihood. This is becoming hunger. In Nigeria for instance, the conflict has unbearable with Fulani herdsmen always having become a very widespread occurrence, manifesting their ways leaving the farmers at their mercy. in all spheres of human endeavors. In research Herdsmen attribute the roots of the crisis to conducted by Iyorwuese (2013). Fulani has religious differences resulting in the killing of their continued to clash with sedentary farming cows while the farmers see the herdsmen as a threat communities in Plateau, Ogun, Oyo, Sokoto, to their crops and agricultural produce since the Nasarawa, Benue, Rivers, Enugu, , and herdsmen allow their cows to feed on the farmer Federal Capital Territory. Abass, in his crops. The wave of violence in Nigeria as observed investigation of the real wellspring of contention by Kasarachi (2016) has disrupted socio-economic, between the Fulani pastoralists and agriculturalists, religious, and educational activities, political demonstrated that land-related issues-particularly instability and threatened the national unity in finished nibbling fields represent the most Nigeria. These extra-judicial killings have forced astounding level of the contention. As it were, thousands of people to abandon their homes and battles over control of financially practical grounds farmlands for safety. The clashes between Fulani cause more pressure and fierce among groups. herdsmen and farmers have had a devastating effect The dimension of militancy in the conflict is on inter-group relationships especially at the associated with the advent of the aggressive flashpoint areas in Benue state. Udawaand Bokologi pastoralists which further led With specific reference to the incessant clashes to the emergence and introduction of guns and other between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria, sophisticated weapons in the conflicts as well as the the ugly phenomenon has been described as the use of mobile phones, accompanied by banditry, all “emerging threat to national security and unity.” In these have produced adverse consequences in the addition, the violent clashes between Fulani destruction of villages, settlements crops and herdsmen and farmers had been viewed as “hydra- irrigation facilities, human and animal lives. The headed in nature” which poses serious security incidence of serious cases of conflicts for survival challenges in the country (Onani, 2017). Hence, this between pastoralists and farmers also led to the loss requires proactive and effective strategies to curb of lives and destruction of properties with the the menace. This research work examines the emergence of insecurity due to the continuous problems and prospects of Fulani herdsmen and desire for vengeance by the parties involved farmers clashes in different parts of the country (Pyramid Trust, 2009). which appears to have dire implications for socio- In today’s political realities, there is a strong economic development in Benue state and other tendency for bargaining and negotiation policies. In states attacked and Nigeria in general. In the states a political, monetary, and social change in West where the Fulani herdsmen and farmers clashes are Africa, in reconcile circumstances over regular pervasive, the property destroyed and cases of rapes assets, especially between crops farmers and cattle slog their economic and social opulence backed by herders are basic issues and of developing concern. several steps. Besides the destroyed properties, Various cases of conflict in Northern Nigeria socio-economic life in those states is usually involving the Fulani and crop farmers conflict of grounded to a halt as people could not freely go significant variables in economic, in area of stiff about their farming and socio-economic activities competition for grazing land farmers but the degree for fear of being killed. of intensity differ from state to state depending on the ecological location and community involved. 64

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 Abbass, asserted that in Bauchi State, for example, age of 50 and above. Pictures were also taken for a areas most affected include Jamaare, Gamawa, proper understanding of the subject matter. Misan, Zaki, and Kirfi local government areas Secondary sources entail the use of both published, among others, (Okello, 2014). unpublished works and textbooks gotten from the This local government area recorded serious school library and the internet. Also, an cases of conflict for survival between cattle herders interdisciplinary approach was used majorly from and crop farmers which led to the loss of lives and geography in knowing the location of the study destruction of property with the emergence of area. insecurity due to continuous desire for vengeance. The conflict between these two groups has led to RESULTS AND DISCUSSION the loss of properties worth millions of naira and the Land Use and Socio-Economic Activities death of hundreds of thousands of lives, despite all There are numerous socio-economic, cultural, these, there seems to be no solution in sight. political, and judicial activities going on in the Nigerian communities have lost confidence in the Study Area. These have engaged a significant capacity of their leaders to provide justice law and number of the people to an extent that the order, for instance in Misau cattle herders and crop population remains an active one throughout the farmers seem to have taken the law into their hands. year. Available land uses in the study area are This is supported by the level of murder and arson agricultural, commercial, educational, religious, taking place in the name of fighting for the right political, and socio-cultural land uses.1Agriculture which always results in violent conflicts all over the is the most significant economic activity in the affected areas. study area. The reason for this can be considered The multiplier implication of insecurity is that from two backgrounds: socio-economic and it has resulted in the retarded growth of ecological. The socio-economic background of the development in Nigeria. Insecurity is an ill wind of region places it as a good beneficiary of a middle social phenomenon which blows no one any good. belt climate, which hitherto favors substantial Nigeria society has now been characterized and farming activities. The ecology of the area has to do manifests in acrimony, incessant cases of Fulani with the extent to which the land is capable of herdsmen attack in several states across the country. providing the required inputs in their right Kogi, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ibadan, proportion for the growth and development of Plateau, Niger State etc. These attacks are agriculture. Socio-economically, two pronounced increasingly becoming widespread and promoting a types of farming in the area are plantation climate of fear, impurity, and insecurity in the agriculture and subsistence farming. About 80% of country. Since herders and farmers groups have the population are farmers who engage mostly in altogether different esteems traditions, physical and subsistence farming. Kogi east is an Industrial social abilities, the dispute between them is virgin land where abundant resources exist but are sometimes described as an ethnic clash. In this largely untapped. The economic sector of Omala light, this investigation tends to discover the effect was organized just like any other Igala kingdom. of farmers-herders conflicts on the social-economic The people generated revenue from different development of Iyade Agbenema community in sources such as Agriculture, trade among others, Omala Local Government Area in Kogi State, North (Obi, 2019a). Central Nigeria. The economic activities of the Omala people are mainly agriculture because of the fertile land of METHODS the community, the people engage in farming to The research methodology used during the generate income. More so, trade is also another research work were both primary sources, economic activity the community involved in, they secondary sources, and also interdisciplinary sell their farm products and products which are approaches. Primary sources were majorly on semi- gotten from crafts and weaving. (Obi, 2019a) In structured interviews and focus group discussion, Omala, there enlisted a lot of social institutions this was done through asking individuals questions which as highly valued and respected. A social who are from the study area majorly between the institution such as exclusive men group is organized 65

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 for the general entertainment, social reformation, commencement of the festival, the people must go and maintenance of peace and order. In Omala, on hunting in forests that abound in Omala. masquerading has a special place in the life of the Animals killed during this expedition would have people. They have a special interest, regard for this their liver and kidneys offered as sacrifices to their aspect of their cultural heritage. According to the ancestors. All deities in Omala are appeased during belief of the Omala people, masquerades represent this time. This ritual appeasement is performed by images of dead ancestors coming from the world the eldest person in the community who is equally beyond the earth for one reason or another. the custodian of Omala cultures and traditions. Marriage as an institution in Omala tradition, Lawrence Kadiri (1982) stated that the the parents have to look for wives for their grown- ceremony starts with ritual sacrifices to the departed up sons and also decide for the girls whom to ancestors, kolanuts are presented, goods are marry. Thus, marriage in Omala is patrilineal, slaughtered and the blood spilled on families, Balls meaning that the parent of the boy starts the move of pounded yams were also prepared and placed on in requesting for the girl's hand in marriage with the deity. The meat is killed and not fried which kolanut which is known as enene (requesting) or will be eating by members of the family and other any other question if there is room for any. If the invited guests that have traveled to Omala to girls' parent gives their consent, an Atogbo-oya (a witness the festival. The celebration calls for breaks member) who is experienced must be produced of for all categories of people. youth sing songs during whom must be known and familiar with both the celebration special drummers and dancers families, through this, all rights concerning continue to keep the atmosphere going until the marriages are performed. Marriage as a social following day. The highest celebration continues institution was sacred and scarified as sex was not with folklores centered on the Ibegwu festival, it is allowed until the final marriage ceremony was the origin, meaning, and significance. At the end of done. Another social aspect of the Omala people the Ibegwu festival, it must rain heavily to show worthy of study is the burial ceremony. According that the ancestors have accepted the sacrifices. But to the belief among the Omala people, man is a if it does not rain after three days another sacrifice sojourner on earth. No matter how long man lives will have to be performed by the elders to offer on earth, he must die one day. Death is a transition appeasement to Ibegwu to allow blessings to come from the physical to the spiritual world. The upon them in form of rain. deceased ruler of Omala for example is usually Causes of Farmers-Pastoralists Conflict in buried on Abejukolo market day. Omala LGA The celebration of the Ibegwu festival is The most common causes of conflict between another social institution in Omala which is the farmers and herdsmen in Omala LGAs of Kogi traditional practice by the traditional worshipers. State were the destruction of crops by cattle, killing Ibegwu festival is a common practice among the of local farmers, burning of houses, and raping of Omala people. The celebration is usually during the women and settler-indigenship phenomenon. This is Easter period, that is during March or April. The linked to poor attention given to cattle’s which celebration must be after the consultation with the eventually encroached into cultivated farmlands oracle, thereafter, a day is set aside by the elders of destroying crops or most times consume produce the community and this day must be a market day. stored which is mostly witnessed during the The essence is to pay homage to the departed planting season and the post-harvest period. In some ancestors and heroes. The festival is done with localities, the herdsmen graze near to fields set funfairs. This celebration attracts tributes from non- aside for farming thus raising the likelihood of Omala that wish to attend. Igbo tenants in Omala cattle entering cultivated fields, furthermore, pay with items such as palm oil, goat, yam tubers growing farming of bushes by migrant farmers has and wine, etc. their physical presence is obligatory. also contributed to the destruction of crops by Also, the festival is meant to usher in peace, good cattle, (Source: Group Interview respondents, health bumper harvest, and prosperity. 2021). These findings agree with De Haan (2002) The celebration of the Ibegwu festival has who argued that crops, irrigation equipment, and some ritual sacrifices involved. Before the infrastructure damage by herdsmen were direct 66

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 causes of conflicts according to farmers, and the from them aggravates violence. Furthermore, herdsmen claimed blockage of cattle routes, water political reasons with 9% of the causes of conflict points by farmers were direct reasons for the persistence are linked to the politicking of initiation conflict. This means that farmers-pastoralist of drastic measures in solving this crisis once and conflicts are the product of environmental changes. for all as vested interest by those in the helm of Which further tells us that, even if some portion of affairs; president, governors, senators, house of rep lands are allocated to herdsmen from the localities members, local government chairmen, who actually that farmers claimed ownership of and were not own these cattle reared by the local Fulani come to adequately compensated crisis is bound to continue. play as they use their power to influence policies for According to the head of the Fulani Alhaji their benefit to favor their herders (interview Bature “The causes of the crisis in this area were respondents, 2021). Drastic measures to curb the caused by the damage of crops by the Mbororo free movement of pastoralist migrants will migrant pastoralist from neighboring countries and definitely affect local Fulani’s movement in the not the Fulani (us) living here. We have lived here country. for over ten years now, we trade here, our families For example, many scholars like Awogbade, are here, we have areas of settlement given to us, Ogungbile, Kolawole, Ayeni, and Gefu (1994) in our chief settles misunderstanding with the their report submitted to the federal agricultural traditional ruler of this locality”. We know all the coordinating unit went as far as providing practical routes here, so we guide our cows and sheep to and workable feasible solutions to the farmers- avoid entering people’s farms. The only time we pastoralist crisis and yet those in the helms of had some misunderstanding was when we came affairs never implement their recommendations. here new and our cows mistakenly destroy some That is why we conclude that the persistence of the crops and the indigenes killed some of our cows and farmers-pastoralist conflict has a link not only on we still paid some compensations (Source: economic and cultural reasons but also the Interview respondents, 2021). But the farmers also bourgeoisie play fundamental role in the conflict. block our routes during farming seasons making it According to affected victims: Usman Okolo impossible for us to move and eventually leads to (farmer) Sekinatu peter (farmer) Philip Ogala destroying of crops by the cattle’s which also leads (sedentary herder), Yusuf Alhaji (sedentary herder) to conflict. Samuel Amedu (farmer), Muhammed Abimaje However, according to B.U., Musa Onu Ife (farmer), Yahaya Atumaiyi (farmer), Joshua paramount ruler of Abejukolo, and Bagana district Dekina (farmer), Friday Amedu (Nomadic), Head: The causes of the crisis in Bagana chiefdom, Mathew Odaudu (farmer), Mikairu Salifu were as a result of settler-indigenship phenomenon, (business), Friday Musa (civil servant), Isaac Wada leadership tussle, conflict of land ownership (civil servant), Gabriel Musa (student), Joseph between indigenes (ebira-Mozum/Igala’s) and Adah (student), Ida Tokula (farmer) Adebayo Wada settlers (Tivs, Kakanda, Fullani’s Herdsmen) (business), Arome Agoli (trader), Andrew Omakoji (Interview with the male informant, 2021). (Vigilante), Adejoh Drisu (farmer), Yusuf Cultural reasons such as Cultural differences Muhammed (Fulani), Ademu Makolo (farmer), between pastoralist herdsmen and indigenous Yahaya Okolo (farmer): The herdsmen are not the farmers have escalated the conflict between the real owners of the cattle, rather the politicians in the ethnic group is one of the reasons for the conflict helms of affairs who influence policy formulation between Fulani-herdsmen and farmers with the and implementation that will curtail the activities of majority of the total interview respondents attesting herdsmen in the country). to this. Also, the respondents claimed that Lack of According to the interview with the herdsmen: respect for the customs and traditions of the host “The conflict in Omala seems to persist because of groups by the pastoralist which were considered the good environment, the land is fruitful and there offensive, provocative, and insulting for the host are water points that seem to be attracting other group and attempt to take away land which is herdsmen from other parts of the country coupled culturally valued and seen as an ancestral gift by the with Boko-Haram insurgency in the far North indigenous people and any attempt to be taken away which caused other herdsmen to come here and 67

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 cause trouble, not we living here” (Fulani The socio-economic effects of farmers-herdsmen herdsmen, Interview, 2021). conflicts in the study area According to Focus group discussion: Aside Communal clashes between pastoralist herders from political, economic, cultural, and social and host communities generally emerge when cattle reasons that gave birth to persistent conflict, the are not legitimately controlled and therefore nibble issue of raping their women, lack of sufficient land on developed plants like cassava, maize, and so to share with pastoralists, eCOWAS treaty that forth in farms of host communities. Host allows free migrants, poor security agencies at the community group now and again un-bottled their border, corrupt nature of both group leaders (Myetti anger by restricting grazing of cattle via coercive Allah and traditional rulers). According to affected actions through the community vigilantes who most victims (farmers), the Fulani leaders have not put in times kill or capture stray cows and accuse enough effort to resolve the incessant attacks defaulters. At some point when the host groups because if they have, why is the attack on the demand their leave, the pastoralist claims that land increase on daily basis? And have refused to come is of God and as a creation of God they have the for dialogue when called for negotiation by the right to enjoy their blessings of Allah. Pastoralist traditional leaders. The Mbororo migrants from (immigrant Fulani) herders often attack rivals neighboring countries like Chad, Mali, Senegal who groups when they are most defenseless, for don’t move with family, but are very violent and example, at night or during worship, ceaselessly speak unfamiliar languages who will destroy your killing of individuals with refined weapons, crops, and when you complain they bring out AK plundering properties, and consuming houses 47, 49, cutlass, and other sophisticated weapons and (Durojaiye, 2014). Fulani Herders are “accepted to start killing innocent farmers unlike the old breed have murdered no less than 1,229 individuals in that were peaceful and god loving people with Nigeria in 2014, as indicated by the most recent families, and in return, the local farmers avenge by Worldwide Fear mongering File (GTI)” (Ludovica, killing their cattle and thus degenerate into conflict 2014). A great part of the extremely vicious and (Focus Group Discussion, 2021). overwhelming loss communal clashes activated by President upholds the Fulani Herders happen in the North Savannah findings of this study on April 30, 2018, in White region of Nigeria, Kogi and Benue State House, Washington D.C when in response to Trump specifically. concern: “We are deeply concerned by the religious According to the focus group discussion: On violence in Nigeria, including the burning of the 19th of March, 2018, and March 2020 churches and killing of Christians. We encourage Agbenema-Ife in Kogi State was attacked from 12 Nigeria and the federal, local, and state am - 2 am by over 100 heavily armed pastoralists governments to do everything to immediately who killed over 4 villagers and left many injured, secure the communities and protect innocent burnt down houses, Markets, stored harvested civilians, including Muslims and Christians” crops, destroyed infrastructural and social amenities (Muhammed Buhari in Johnbosco & Charles, like schools, burning of electricity pools which 2018). leave the people in darkness and health care centers, Buhari said: “The problem of cattle herders is and our traditional leader Musa edibo along with his a very long historical problem. What is of concern wife were murdered. (Chief Daniel, Community is that before now the Nigerian herders are known Leader 2021 in group discussion). to carry sticks and machetes and cut follies for their Also, between May 6th 2011, Agojeju-Ikpoba animals but these ones are carrying AK 47. So, I chiefdom experienced her first attack around don’t think we should underrate Libya, 43 years of 7:30pm-11:30pm which left 20 casualties, and 20 Gaddafi people were being recruited from the burnt down houses raping of women, and and people were being killed”. With the demise, destruction of infrastructural facilities. Agojeju- they moved from their country and their region with Ikpoba chiefdom experienced her second attack on their training and their weapons and that is what 1st August 2015 from 10am-3:30pm of which four aggravated the situation, Johnbosco & Charles, people died, the third attack took place on 2018. November 9th 2015 from 6pm to 12pm leaving 17 68

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 people dead, on 18th of April 2018 Iyade Chiefdom conflict Shengev people group in Gwer West was attacked destroying of agro product such as Neighborhood LGA with more sophisticated rice, maize, pidgin pea, Ginea corn, Okoro weapons. economic trees: plantation, orange, cashew, palm Between February to April 2016, over 8 tree among others burnt down, the only senior groups in Agatu LGA were ransacked and over 600 nursery school teacher primary by name Emmanuel people died in what the former Senate President was killed and our houses burnt down of which has David Mark proposed as “genocide against his a great effect on our development, and economic people” by Herders. These high losses led the activities. Our children cannot go to school anymore Human Rights Watch in December to argue that the because of fear of being attacked and it affects our conflicts between the two groups had cost over development, corps members no longer come to our 3,000 lives since 2010. This development communities to impact our children, people from significantly affects development in all spheres be it the southeast and west don’t come here to trade any political, economic, social, and human capital. longer and it affects our business because we can’t According to Goulet there are three core values sell what we produce. We live in perpetual fear and that constitute development and represents “good distrust in our land, our young men and women are life.” These core values are sustenance, self-esteem, running away from our land, and it's affecting our and freedom. They all relate to fundamental human development in all aspects (Group discussion 2021). needs found in all human societies. To him “life- These findings are in consonance with Bakam sustenance; refers to the capacity of meeting the & Owuamanam (2016), who argued that Fulani basic necessity of life such as food, shelter, health, herdsmen conflict in Agatu, Guma, Logo, and and protection, and when variables are not found it Tarkaa local government area of Benue state of means absolute development is taken or has taken which 11 villagers were killed and two villages bunt place. On the other hand, measures like increase in down, and attacks refer to vengeance mission of the per capita income, employment opportunities, and herdsmen on Godogodo chiefdom in Jema’a local poverty reduction are vital ingredients for government area in Southern part of Kaduna state measuring development but not sufficient enough. has serious implication on rural development and in “Self-esteem: connotes some level of actualization agreement with Bakam and Owuamanam, findings of one’s self which is regarded as societal of a first-class traditional ruler, Sir Lazarus Agai, recognition or honor or socially constructed identity his driver and policemen were killed on the way which differs from locality to locality. Finally from his farm on 17th of October, 2016 in Plateau “Freedom from servitude and to be able to choose” state, This shows the implication of Fulani’s means liberty to economic deprivation, herdsmen and farmers on human security has it has marginalization, and exclusion or alienation. led to the loss of many lives. From the above three core values, we can say On account of Kogi there have been very for sure that development implies both material or decimating clashes that have claimed thousands of physical reality and the condition of the mind of the lives properties valued at millions due to farmers- society via combined social, economic, and herders conflict, for example, Agbenema, Iyade, institutional processes to protect the means of a Bagana, Agojeju-Ikpoba in Omala LGA of Kogi better life. Whatever the definite component of this east Senatorial district and Agatu, Guma, Gwer better life, development in all societies must possess West, Makurdi, Kwande, Katsina-Alaand Loggo in these three cardinal values; to increase the Benue State. The common clashes arranged by accessibility and broaden the circulation of (a) Fulani herders in Kogi and Benue State witnessed necessary life, (b) food, shelter, health over 400 casualties in 2014-2015 respectively sustainability, and (c) security to all members of the (Vanguard news online). These casualties include society. women and children and over 100 groups forced out Moreover, this research addresses the link of their homes into Internal Displaced People between development and farmers’ herder's conflict (IDPs) campground in Makurdi. According to as it affects rural development at the local Akeviand Ugbechie before now, more than 200 government level in Kogi State. It can be people have been slaughtered by farmers-herders understood that conflicts breed under development 69

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 and it impoverishes the society to the extent that the However, according to the interview basic existence of food, shelter, clothing, healthcare conducted with the respondents: “Deployment of services, and infrastructural facilities such as roads, security personnel like the police and joint security water supply, schools, markets, and motor parks, etc task force, imposition of curfew, cattle colonies as are threatened and sometimes destroyed. proposed by the federal government and supported The Extent to which Farmers-Herdsmen by Alhaji Yahaya”. Bello Adoiza will not remedy Conflict Constitute threat to Internal Security the herders-farmers conflict in Omala, Kogi state, The incessant resource conflicts witnessed in and the country at large. Because we can’t give out Omala L.G. Ahave resulted in the loss of lives, our lands when we don’t have enough to farm, our properties, and environmental degradation as also lands are ancestral heritage how can they be taken witnessed in a neighboring state like Benue. The from us? Besides we and these people have no persistent conflict over land resources has caused cultural affinity, values, and customs, we cannot population displacement, which, as a result, cohabit with them. changed the fabric of custom and habitual behavior We need to restructure the Nigeria state back in the Omala LGA of Kogi State. This led to low to the first republic where we have regional agricultural output, which resulted in malnutrition government and the Fulani herdsmen should go and disease; and by inducing people to leave, the back to their homeland because every human economic decline may erode confidence in the formation has a genesis. The restructuring will help national purpose and also upset the traditional in managing our differences because if you are balance of economic and political authority between moving to the east who have their own way of ethnic groups in the area. administration you have to abide by their rules and Other factors identified were loss of live if not you will be punished by their laws so applies stocks, displacement of victims, collapsing of social to other states of the federation because the Nigeria activities such as buying and selling, leads to constitution itself is not a true reflection of our underdevelopment, leads to underdevelopment, loss identity, ethnic races, and culture which favor one of lives and properties, increases the rate of poverty, race over another (Hausa-Fulani) (Interview with and leads to tension among occupants of the host group respondents, 2021). community. The majority of the respondents In agreement with the above, Adeboyeand attested that the farmers-pastoralist conflict poses Olaniyi (2014) indicated that the traditional method threat to the internal security of the country. of conflict resolution is still preferable in the study According to the chiefs and affected victims area; both farmers and pastoralists prefer alternative across the four chiefdoms: before now we see the dispute resolution. The craving to manage pastoralist herdsmen as our brothers, friends we co- associations may be those central points that exist with, trade with them, and even intermarry enlightened farmers and pastoralists offer because we conceive them to peaceful people that is inclination for casual power on taking debate should why we gave the extended hand of friendship by authority in police/courts from collapse relationship allowing them to live with us from the very might worsens those association between the beginning, we accepted them for whom they are and disputants. lived with them even to our detriments in abuse of our moral laws and traditions. But recent CONCLUSION development we see them as death agents, we prefer It is clear that farmers-pastoralists conflicts in to live with poisonous and deadly animals than Omala Local Government Area centered on the pastoralist” (Source: Interview respondents, 2021). cattle owners and crop farmers. The causes are seen Finding from the interview shows that there is in terms of competition on land and cattle trespass, a high level of acceptability of Fulani herdsmen in land encroachment, Migration of Mborroro host communities as normal people who go around migrants among others. The periodical struggle for doing their daily businesses like the farmers before scarce resources has degenerated into violent the advent of a sudden attack by Fulani herdsmen in conflicts in Omala local government Area between the LGA. farmers-pastoralists. Since most of the cattle herders do not own or possess the land rights, they therefore 70

International Journal of Qualitative Research, 1 (1), 61-72 depend absolutely on open land to feed their cattle. pastoralists and fadama farmers in Nigeria: A Government policies on agriculture, especially the report prepared for the Federal Agricultural all-year fadama farming, are threats to cattle Coordinating Unit (FACU), Federal herders’ access to pasture. Acquisition of, additional University of Agriculture, Abuja. farms has encroached traditional cattle routes thus Bakam, D.G, and Owuamanam, H.J. (2016). drastically reducing the grazing for herders Pastoralism and the State in Africa: livestock and access to pasture areas and water Marginality or Incorporation. Nomadic points. Furthermore, the use of police and courts to Peoples. No 38. pp. 11-36. resolve conflicts between cattle herders and crop Bello, A.S. (2013). Herdsmen and Farmers farmers by the government has been ineffective as Conflicts in North-eastern Nigeria: Causes, this approach had further contributed to the Repercussions and Resolutions. Academic occurrence of the clashes. Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies. 2(5): 29- All these have instigated insecurity that has 139. encouraged the conflicting parties to take Blench, R. (2010). Conflict between Pastoralists responsibility for their own security and to defend and Cultivators in Nigeria: Review paper themselves, which is a threat to the sustainability of prepared for DFID, Nigeria. 9th August, the federation. Therefore, it is in the interest of the 2010. State to end the land encroachment and take Bloodbath in enugu as Fulani herdsmen kill 40. concrete steps to address the genuine needs of cattle (2016, April 26). Vanguard, p. 10. Death herders for the availability of grazing land, resolve toll in Benue herdsmen attack hits 59. (2016, the re-occurring conflicts in the agricultural sector, June 20), Punch,.books. which currently provides employment to the large De Haan, C. (2002). Nigeria Second Fadama population of the country. efforts made by the Development Project (SFDP), Project stakeholders to prevent the conflict have been Preparation Mission Report, Livestock minimal or ineffective, which may have lead to a Component. World Bank. Pp 1-13. perception by some communities that they should Dougherty, J. e & Pfaltygraff. (1981). Contending take responsibility for their own security. These theories of international relations. New have increased the conflict in the study area. York: Harper and Row. However, the government involvement of all the Durojaiye, R. (2014) Challenge of Fulani stakeholders has reduced the conflict, but the Herdsmen, editorial, Daily Independence. conflict is still ongoing. De Haan, C. (2002). Nigeria second fadama development project (SFDP), project REFERENCES preparation mission report, livestock Adebayo, O., and Olaniyi, A. (2014). Factors component. World Bank. Pp 1-13. Associated with Pastoral and Crop Farmers ekong, e.e. (2003). An introduction to rural Conflict in Derived Savannah Zone of Oyo sociology. 2nd ed. Dove of educational State Nigeria, in Journal of Human ecology, Publishers, Uyo, Nigeria, 140-145. 23(1), 2014, pp, 71-74. Gilick T. N (2009). Water and conflict. Fresh water Awobagde, M. O. (1983). Fulani Pastoralism: Jos resources and international security case. Abu Press Zaria, Nigeria. International time vol. 17 No 23 April. Awogbade, M.O, Ogunbile, A.O, and Kolawole, A. Gefu, J.O, and Kolawole, A. (2002). Conflict in (1994). A study of the relationship between common property resource use: experiences pastoralists and fadama farmers in Nigeria: A from an irrigation project. Paper presented report prepared for the Federal Agricultural for 9th biennial Conference of the Coordinating Unit (FACU), Federal International Association for the study of University of Agriculture, Abuja. common property (IASCP), Victoria Falls Awogbade M.O. (1987). Grazing reserves in Zimbabwe, June, 2002. Nigeria. Nomadic Peoples.Vol.23: pp18-30. Johnbosco & Charles (2018) Awogbade, M.O, Ogunbile, A.O, & Kolawole, A, https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/05/9818 (1994). A study of the relationship between 45/ 71

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