EFFECTS OF COMMUNAL CONFLICTS ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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EFFECTS OF COMMUNAL CONFLICTS ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Every society is faced with different challenges imposed either by man or nature. Since after independence in 1960, Nigeria has consistently experienced crises of different dimensions with adverse consequences on the social, economic, political and emotional development of the society. Communal crisis or communal conflict/dispute is one of such devastating challenges confronting transitional societies such as Nigeria.

Conflicts as asserted by Adams (2000) are inevitable wherever scarce resources are unequally distributed among competitors and inequality is reflected in cultural and political relationship between groups. Human society as observed by Robinson (1972) in Nsolibe (2014) characterized by differences in ideology, socio-cultural activities, resources endowment and different ethnic affiliations. These differences often result to crisis due to poor management strategy.

Abubakar (2013) identified communal tension in Nigeria as multidimensional comprising religious, economic, social and ethno-linguistic etc. Communal crisis is a divisive force in the sociopolitical environment. Globally, communal crises exist as a result of politics, ethnicity and religion factors. These various crises have resulted in rising nationalism and militancy of various movements seeking determination, local autonomy, separate identity and true federalism. The social and economic consequences of these communal stressors are devastating to the rural economy.

The poor state and performance of the rural sector especially in Central Cross River State is an indicator and a pointer at underdevelopment and this is further worsened by series of communal crisis (Ekot, 2002).Rural communities in Central Cross River State are in a precarious and abysmal state. Communal crisis has been a significant source of disharmony in Central Cross River State where several people have been allegedly killed, wounded and kidnapped. These several provocative attacks, harassment, abduction and killing have resulted into loss of manpower, destruction of properties, stagnation of economic activities like businesses including farming, increasing cannibalistic acts etc. Hundreds of people have been displaced from their original homes and rendered homeless as refugees in neighbouring communities as a result of brutal and inhuman acts of communal crisis. This is evidenced in the crises between Inyima and Onyeadama in Yakurr and Obubra Local Government Areas; Ukpe, Okpagada and Mgbageda in Ogoja Local Government Area; Usumotong and Ediba, Adadama and Amaegu Communities in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State and Ebonyi State; Nko and Onyeadama in Yakurr and Obubra Local Government Areas; Efraya and Ajasor Communities; and Iso Bendeghe and Boje Communities, etc. These communal conflicts may have been precipitated by scramble for resources, land, political power and chieftaincy tussle.

For several years running, these communities have engaged in a fratricidal war over parcels of lands despite the peace pact signed by most of the elders of these warring communities. None of these crises ever end without loss of lives, destruction of properties, destruction of lives-stocks and farm products, invading and burning of schools, homes, markets, shops and even hospitals where the sick and injured are supposed to be taken care of; blocking of public roads making it difficult for people to travel outside their territories for productive ventures. These have cumulatively led to the distortion of social, cultural, economic and political activities within the area. The increasing insecurity has wreaked havoc on the environmental wellbeing and hospitality for which most rural communities exemplify.

The endemic nature of communal crisis with its attendant consequences calls for attention. This study investigated the impact of environmental resources conflict dynamics on social and economic development of communities in Central Cross River State. The major objective was to investigate the association between communal crisis and socio economic development. Specifically, it examined the association between struggle for land, political power and chieftaincy affair and socio economic development.

Statement of the problem

There may have been previous researches in this subject. This work gives further explanations and analysis in effects of communal conflicts on socio-economic development

Objectives of the study
To understand the impact of communal conflicts on socio-economic development
To understand the relationship between communal conflicts and socio-economic development
1. Research questions
What is the impact of communal conflicts on socio-economic development
What is the relationship between communal conflicts and socio-economic development