Project Abstract

Abstract
The Fulani herdsmen attacks in Nigeria have posed significant challenges to the socio-political development of the country, particularly in the Benue State region. This study focuses on analyzing the impact of Fulani herdsmen attacks on the socio-political landscape of Benue State and Nigeria as a whole. The research employs a case study approach to delve into the root causes, implications, and potential solutions to this ongoing crisis. The conflict between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers in Benue State has led to widespread violence, loss of lives, displacement of communities, and destruction of properties. These attacks have created a climate of fear and insecurity, hindering economic activities, social cohesion, and political stability in the region. The historical, cultural, and economic factors underlying this conflict are explored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues at play. Furthermore, the study examines the responses of the Nigerian government, security agencies, and local communities to the Fulani herdsmen attacks. It analyzes the effectiveness of existing policies, mechanisms, and interventions in addressing the root causes of the conflict and mitigating its impact on the socio-political development of Benue State. The role of ethnicity, religion, land disputes, climate change, and governance in exacerbating the conflict is critically assessed. Moreover, the research investigates the role of external actors, such as non-governmental organizations, international partners, and regional bodies, in mediating the Fulani herdsmen crisis and promoting peacebuilding efforts in Benue State. The study highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, conflict resolution mechanisms, and inclusive governance structures in addressing the underlying grievances and building sustainable peace in the region. In conclusion, this research contributes to the existing literature on the Fulani herdsmen crisis in Nigeria by providing a nuanced analysis of its socio-political implications, particularly in Benue State. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and local communities seeking to understand and address the complex dynamics of conflict, security, and development in Nigeria. The study underscores the need for holistic and context-specific approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding to foster sustainable socio-political development in conflict-affected regions like Benue State.

Project Overview

1.1 Background to the Study

The Fula people also known as Fulani in Hausa language, are a mass population widely dispersed and culturally diverse in all of Africa, but most predominant in West Africa. The Fulani’s generally speak the Fula language. A significant number of them are nomadic in nature, herding cattle, goats and sheep across the vast dry grass lands of their environment, keeping isolate from the local farming communities, making them the world’s largest pastoral nomadic group (Eyekpimi, 2016). They are massively spread over many countries, and are found mainly in West Africa and northern parts of Central Africa, but also in Sudan and Egypt. The main Fulani sub-groups in Nigeria are: Fulbe Adamawa, Fulbe Mbororo, Fulbe Sokoto, Fulbe Gombe, and the Fulbe Borgu (Eyekpimi, 2016).

Nigeria as a nation state is under a severe internal socio-economic and security threat. At a more general level, the threat has special economic, political and environmental dimensions. Each of these dimensions has greatly affected the nation’s stability and can be traced to the Fulani-herdsmen and farmers clash, ethnic militant armies, ethnic and religious conflicts, poverty, insurgency, armed robbery, corruption, economic sabotage and environmental degradation (Damba, 2007).