Interrogating Insurgence in the South-East Nigeria: A Political Brouhaha or a Political Solution?

Abstract

Insecurity is a national challenge and a major
implicative factor of varied worrisome issues in
Nigeria. It has become the daily reality of most
parts of the nation, particularly the southeast
region where incessant conflicts and social
disorder create severe psychological, political
and socio-economic dysfunctions. Southeast
inhabitants face terrorization due to the chaos
and violence associated with the activities of
various non-state actors such as The Indigenous
People of Biafra (IPOB), the sit-at-home order
and its related issues including kidnappings,
farmers/herders clashes and other forms of
criminality that cripple daily life and
interactions in the area; culminating to a state of
uncertainty, fear and apprehension and in most
cases lead to low morale occasioned by the fierce
gun battles and reprisal attacks between
government forces, agitators and unknown
clandestine groups. This precarious situation
significantly paralyzes socio-economic activities
in a region characterized by people of renowned
economic enterprise, and valued contributors, to
Nigeria's economic growth. This paper made use
of library research as a methodology to analyse
the state of insecurity in the southeast and how it
affects the socio-economic development of the
region. It analyses the prevailing volatile
environment as a strangulator of socio-economic
life and activities with untold adverse effects on
the productivity of the region and the nation as a
whole The paper recommends effective
reformation of the law enforcement agencies,
good governance that addresses concerns of
IPOB agitators and the zone; and other
strategies for southeast stability and sustainable
national economic advancement