The Political Economy of Insecurity in Benue State: Implications for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
| dc.contributor.author | Saraki, Akeem Aderayo | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-10T18:44:45Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-10T18:44:45Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This paper examines the political economy of insecurity in Benue State, Nigeria, between 2020 and 2025, adopting political economy and human security frameworks. The study investigates the structural drivers of violence, including land disputes, weak governance, climate-induced migration, and ethnic tensions, which together fuel recurrent farmer–herder conflicts. Using a qualitative design, through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary sources such as government reports and newspapers, the study investigate the political and economic drivers of insecurity in Benue State, examine the manifestations and dynamics of insecurity in the region, assess the impact of insecurity on sustainable development in Benue State, and evaluate the effectiveness of state and non-state responses to insecurity. Findings reveal that insecurity in Benue is systemic rather than episodic, with manifestations ranging from mass killings and displacement to the collapse of agricultural productivity. Over 500,000 persons were displaced during the period, while food production and rural livelihoods declined sharply, undermining the state’s role as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.” Although state policies, such as the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (2017), and security deployments have been implemented, responses remain largely reactive and insufficient. Nonstate interventions provide localized relief but often fail to address underlying structural issues. The paper concludes that sustainable peace in Benue requires institutional reforms, equitable land governance, inclusive dialogue, and integrated development strategies. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://kwasuspace.kwasu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/6991 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kwararafa Security Review (KSR) | |
| dc.title | The Political Economy of Insecurity in Benue State: Implications for Sustainable Development in Nigeria |