The causes and consequences of armed banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in some selected communities in Zamfara State

Abstract

This research study, attempts to find out how armed banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling has been disturbing the entire community in Zamfara State, and specifically Seven out of 14 Local Government area of the State which is distress to humanity and touch the Sociological life of the people in term of their communication. The Seven Local Governments chosen as case studies from three senatorial zones are; Shinkafi, B/Magaji and Zurmi, (Zamfara north); Tsafe and Maru in (Zamfara central) and; Anka and Maradun in (Zamfara west). Ten affected wards have been chosen from each local government, making total of seventy wards chosen to be the sample size of the study. The research categorically identified the root causes of the violence which includes Changes in land ownership; encroachment and sales of grazing land to farmers; and environmental factors that led to a largely absence of peaceful coexistence. The study adopts the democratic peace study as a theoretical frame work. Fulbe communities felt marginalized by government and therefore invited their relatives from elsewhere to take revenge. Another key factor the study found was the increased in cross-border flow of arms as a result of bunkering of armed warehouse from Libya when the Ghaddafis' administration overthrown. In its consequences however, the Conflict has killed and disabled hundred thousands of people. The research study employs survey method, by using questionnaire and in-depth interview as it's useful in getting an overview of a particular situation. This analysis presents current conflict patterns and identifies options for promoting peace, public safety and security. The study therefore recommends effective formulation and implementation of policies capable of tackling the root causes of insecurity in Zamfara state.