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The Role of Criminal Gangs in the Farmers-Herders Conflict in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study assessed the involvement of criminal gangs in the farmers-herders conflict in the
Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The specific objectives of the study were to
examine the extent of criminal gangs’ involvement in the farmers-herders conflict, assess the
activities of criminal gangs in the farmers-herders conflict and determine the impacts of these
activities on the farmers’ herders’ conflict in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The
explorative and cross-sectional designs were adopted for the study. The sample size for the study
was made up of 368 respondents comprising victims of the conflict, security agencies, and
traditional and religious leaders while questionnaires and key informant interviews were used as
methods of data collection. Collected data was analyzed with the use of tables, frequencies,
percentages and figures. The findings of the study revealed that criminal gangs are highly
involved in the farmers-herders conflict in the study area. Cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom,
armed robbery, and arms trafficking among others were found as the major activities engaged in
by criminal gangs in the study area. These activities contribute to increased violence, fear and
mistrust, and displacement of communities, impeding conflict resolution efforts, and
exacerbating the existing tensions. Based on the findings, the study recommends a multi-faceted
approach, including improved security measures, community engagement, and socio-economic
interventions to address the root causes of criminal gangs' involvement in the conflict.
