CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study
The reoccurrence of herders conflict witnessed in Guma local government have
resulted to loss of lives, properties, environmental degradation, and psychological
disorders, as also witnessed in some developed countries as Balkans (hellstrom, 2001:
Niemella et al 2005). The Fulani herdsmen have borne a large proportion of the blame
for most conflict (conflicts) and environmental degradation in countries in the guinea
savannah region of West Africa states (The band and Batterburry, 2001).
The production potential of grassland and livestock in the arid and semi arid
region is contained by low and variable rainfall (The Band and Batterburry. 2001,
Ifatimehin, 2008). Therefore there need for grazing movements to access pasture
resources across regions in other to ensure food security for the herds. Hence, pasture,
woody vegetation, water resources as reported by Berger (2003). But the complex
land use system that has changed markedly over time, has culminated in the present
day tension and conflicts between herdsmen and host communities, Jibo et al. (2001)
reported that the Benue state region in Nigeria had witnessed conflict enough to
attract both state and National attention.
Crops, livestock’s water resources and other vegetal resources played key roles
in the development, maintenance and projection of socio-Economic strength of a
society (Schama, 1996). The Fulani herdsmen’s livelihood strategies had resulted in
conflicts over the destruction of crops. The Environmental Degradation is perceived
to be contributing enormously to the Environmental Deterioration in Ecosystem
Services to the environment of various communities.
The increased provision of social services in town, such as Health centers,
schools, and food aid as well as the increased economic opportunities has led to
settlement and concentration of grazing in areas around such towns (Haro and Doyo,
2005). These new unplanned settlements, together with their foreseen and unforeseen
implications, are providing the basis for us to painfully learn that environmental

1
resources are finite as human economy (population and resource utilization) has
exceeded them and are becoming limited as unsustainable utilization affect human ,
social, economic, environmental and psychological (mental) stability.
Economically viable land have been a major cause of conflict between
communities in Nigeria and in Benue State specifically in Guma Local Government
Area (Areala et al; 1992, Gbehe 2007). Otiti and Albert (1999) pointed out that the
pursuit of access to a variety of limited resources which include chieftaincy position,
power and status, grasslands, markets, water spots for animals, rival claims to land,
government policies, leadership of political parties, etc. by individuals differentiated
by different categories in defined socio-physical, cultural, biological traits and other
religious and traditional beliefs and environment give rise to these crisis (attack).
The conflicts mapping involving the Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen was
restricted to Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. It becomes necessary to
include Makurdi and Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State in this
conflict mapping. The reason for this inclusion of these local government areas will
become clearer in the course of analysis of the conflict situation, but it is necessary to
mention at this stage that
i. The conflict between the Tiv farmers and the Fulani herdsmen in Benue
state in Gwer West and any kind of conflict mapping being contemplated
without getting started from where the conflict first originated would only
yield results which will be selected without reference to the deep rooted
nature but will be in the light of competition for state interest only.
ii. The second reason for the inclusion of Makurdi and Gwer West Local
Government area is related to the geospatial location of the three local
governments; their population distribution together with the terrain analysis
and drainage characteristics of the three local government areas.
iii. There is also the attractive nature of the drainage characteristics of the
trough, this trough otherwise called The Benue Basin which is also
characterized by good vegetation, which is almost available for ten (10) out

2
 of twelve (12) calendar months of the year. Hence facility the evergreen
nature of the grass which is found to be always available and perhaps an
attraction for the herdsmen and their cattle. The water table is relatively
high particularly in the location within 20-25 KM of flood plains of River
Benue.
iv. The availability of green grass within these Local government areas, the
low population density in the local governments particularly in the
settlements like Tse-Akaahema, Tse-Tarkula, Tomotar, Akor, Mbabum,
Mbaghaa in Ngasha makes pasture land attractive and a place with feeding
the cattle in this trough by the cattle Fulani in these local government areas.
A research on major causes of conflict in the Benue state revealed that land
matter accounted for the highest percentage (42.09) of conflicts followed by political
(32.08) and chieftaincy matters (28.03) respectively. A high percentage of conflicts
arising from land disputes have to do with land matters and conflicts between Fulani
herdsmen and people of Guma Local government Area of Benue State over grazing
land. The state has played a key role in the conflicts over land from these critical
levels; viz
i. The state's inability to address the indigene and settler phenomenon in the
constitution.
ii. The inability of the federal government of Nigeria to firmly address the
issue of ranching.
iii. The unresolved issues on grazing land and water spots that are central to
the economic survival of both the herders and farmers.
The various conflicts that ensued between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv farmers of
Guma arose from the destruction of farmlands by herds of cattle. Government at
various levels (federal, state and local government) have not addressed the issue with
adequate provision of grazing reserves to accommodate the interest of herdsmen who
are always on the move to secure food and water for their herds. The socio-economic

3
lives of both the farmers and the herdsmen revolve around land, therefore, land
matters become easily conflicting.
1.2 Statement of the Research Problems
It is no longer news that the activities of Fulani herdsmen and Tiv farmers crisis
and other similar political and or religious sects have often led to loss of properties,
lives and even the breakdown of law and order, peace and National security at large. It
has been observed that a lot of conflict have been launched on the people of Guma
and other local governments in Benue state including Gwer-West, Gwer, Makurdi,
Logo, Agatu, Buruku and Tarkaa, etc.
What puzzles most observers is the fact that most of these conflict are not carried
out by suiciders yet the culprits often get away unharmed. This leaves a big question
mark in our security agencies as regards to their duty in protection of lives and
properties, and the procurement of mass destruction to combat this menace which is
eating deep in Benue state and other states in Nigeria.
However it is the above stated problem that instigated the research into
investigating on the topic the reoccurrence of Fulani herdsmen attack and its effect on
the people of Guma Local government area of Benue State.
1.3 Research Questions
Opinions are however divided over the reoccurrence of this attack, and it is
indeed in a bid to stop the conflict which has led to loss of assets, lives and properties
that this research work attempts to answer these questions:
i. To what extent the crises between Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen will
affect the psychological wellbeing of the people Guma Local government
areas of Benue state?
ii. To what extent did the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers
conflict affect the development in Guma local government area of Benue
State

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 iii. What are the socio-economic implications of crises between the Tiv
farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue
State?
1.4 Objective of the Study
The main thrust of this study is to contribute to the development and
strengthening of indigenous, sustainable resources for conflict prevention and
resolution in the targeted location(s) of Guma Local Government Area among other
local government, farmers and Fulani nomads through the strengthening of gender
roles and the promotion of knowledge and skills acquisition in the areas of conflict
analysis, mediation, negotiation, conciliation, advocacy, and early warning.
The following are the objectives of this study:
i. To assess the extent the crises between Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen
affect the psychological wellbeing of the people Guma Local government
areas of Benue state?
ii. To assess the extent the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers
conflict affect the development in Guma local government area of Benue
State
iii. To determine the socio-economic implications of crises between the Tiv
farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue
State?
1.5 Significance of the Study
There are numerous reasons why this research is useful, the research work will
be of great importance to students and lecturers in practice of how to carry out further
research in the same area. It will help the government and non-governmental
organization to solve some likely problems that might have arisen in terms of growth
and development in the affected area, Benue and Nigeria at large.
Also the research will act as a guide to the government in their quest to quell
the problems with security, ethnic crisis, communal crisis, political and religious crisis
in Nigeria.

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1.6 Scope/ Limitations of the Study
The scope of this research study is quite broad that it encompasses the
investigation of the reoccurrence of the Fulani herders on the people of Guma Local
Government area of Benue State.
In view of the limitations of this study, various factor contributed in affecting
the researcher’s comprehensiveness, vividness and totality in carrying out the study.
These factors include lack of reliability information from the affected indigenes,
because most people fled away from their homes and are not yet back, scarcity of
relevant materials on the issue due to its continuous evolving nature, financial
constraints.
1.7 Definition of Terms
i. Reoccurence: to happen again or a number of times(Oxford advanced
learners dictionary 8th edition).
ii. Crisis: a time of great danger, difficulty or confusion when problem must
be solved or important discussion must be made(Oxford advanced learners
dictionary 8th edition).
iii. Herdsmen: a man or group of people whose job is to take care of group of
animal such as cows and sheeps e.t.c (Oxford advanced learners dictionary
8th edition).
iv. Conflict: a situation in which people, group or countries are involved in a
serious disagreement or argument (Oxford advanced learners dictionary 8 th
edition).
v. Conflict Transformation: Conflict transformation draws on familiar
concepts of conflict management and resolution. It is a process of engaging
with and transforming the relationship, interest, discourses and, if necessary,
the very constitution of society that supports the continuation of violent
conflicts. This recognizes that conflicts are transformed gradually, through a
series of smaller or larger changes as well as specific steps by means of
which a variety of actors may play important roles.

6
vi. Community: Refers to a group of people having the same culture.
vii. Insurgency: An insurgency is a rebellion against authority when those in
taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as complaining.

7
 CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Conceptual Review:
The purpose of this study is to explore and present the extent, identify the
remote and immediate causes of the conflict, effect and the socio-political, religious
implication and humanitarian hardship that the attack between Tiv farmers and Fulani
herders in Guma local government Area. Before going into critical issues there is need
for conceptual clarification of the relevant terms associated with this research.
2.1.1 Conflict
Cousins(1996) observes that academic discussion on conflict usually generates
enormous live as question usually arise even in “distinguishing between societal
problems, disputes and conflicts (cousins, 1996) as cited in Zirra and Garba (2012).
As for conflicts relating to land and sundry natural resources, Mekee a specialist on
conflict sees conflicts as a struggle over values or scarce resources in which two
contesting groups each seek to impose values or claims on resources over those of the
other. To do so each seek to maintain or to change the social structure in terms of his
or her own interest” (Mekee, 1981).
The above postulation by Mekee underscores the proneness of men to conflict
on land and sundry natural resources. Land as an indispensable factor of production
(Jhingaa, 1997) has been at the Centre of several conflicts among men.
A conflict is a struggle between people which may be physical, or between
conflicting ideas. The word comes from Latin conflingere. Conflingere means to
come together for a battle. Conflicts can either be within one person, or they can
involve several people or groups. Conflicts arise because there are needs, values or
ideas that are seen to be different, and there is no means to reconcile the dispute.
Very often, conflicts lead to fights, or even wars (in the case where conflicts
are solved with weapons). Conflict between ideas is usually fought with propaganda
Conflict may be defined as: incompatibility of interests, goals, values, needs,
expectations, and/or social cosmologies (or ideologies). Ideological conflicts

8
especially have a tendency to become malicious (cf. Berger & Luckman, 1966).
Webster’s Dictionary definition: “Clash, competition or mutual interference of
opposing or incompatible forces or qualities (as ideas, interest, wills)”. Coser (1956)
defined social conflict as “a struggle over values and claims to scarce status, power
and resources in which the aims of the opponents are to neutralize, injure or eliminate
their rivals”. McEnery (1985) suggests as a new definition of conflict: “the interaction
of any two or more value systems”. Conflict is either malignant or benign depending
on whether the particular inter-action of the value systems tends to destructive
disruption or creative progress. According to Galtung (1965), an action-system is said
to be in conflict if the system has two or more incompatible goal states. In the case of
one actor the conflict is called a dilemma, l’embarras de choix, or intra-individual
conflict, consisting of incompatible motivational or behavioral tendencies
(approach/approach, avoidance/avoidance, and approach/avoidance conflict: see
Hinde, 1966 for a thorough review of this literature). Distinction should be made
between conflict, conflict attitude, and conflict behavior, which may be depicted as a
triangle. A conflict process may get started in any corner of the triangle. One of the
means of conflict resolution is to eliminate or incapacitate one or more of the actors in
the conflict. This may be done either nondestructively or destructively. The latter we
call violent conflict. “Thus we may distinguish between destructive and non-
destructive conflict behavior, although this is, of course, a continuum and not a
dichotomy. Two of the most celebrated propositions about conflict can now be made
use of: conflict behavior tends to become destructive behavior (because of the
frustration-aggression cycle) and destructive behavior tends to become self-
reinforcing” (Galtung, 1965).
2.1.2 Fulani herdsmen
Fulani herdsmen or Fulani pastoralists are nomadic or semi-nomadic Fulani
people whose primary occupation is raising livestock. The Fulani herdsmen are
largely located in the Sahel and semi-arid parts of West Africa, but due to relatively
recent changes in climate patterns, many herdsmen have moved further south into the

9
savannah and tropical forest belt of West Africa. The herdsmen are found in countries
such as Nigeria, Niger, Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana,
Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Cameroon. In Senegal they inhabit northeastern Ferlo and
the southeastern part of the country. In many of these countries the Fula often
constitute a minority group.
Pastoral Fulani family is the traditional herding unit. Tasks are divided by
gender and age among the members of the family. The main work of men is to
manage the herd, find grazing sites, build tents and camps, and make security tools
such as knives, bow and arrows and guns. Women in the unit take on traditional roles
such as sourcing food produce in the market, milking cows, weaving and mat-making.
Some women are also involved in farming such as growing vegetables and raising
poultry.
Cattle is the dominant composition of the Fulani herd in countries such as
Nigeria, and camel is the least-liked animal. The livestock is largely female with close
to 60% of cattle being female; the male species are usually reduced by selling them.
Movements
Fulani herdsmen's engage in both random and planned transhumance
movements. Random movements are usually taken by the pure nomadic Fulani
herdsmen, while planned movements are taken by the semi-nomadic pastoralist. A
primary reason for the migratory nature of the herdsmen is to reach areas with
abundant grass and water for the cattle. The herdsmen also move to avoid tax
collectors, harmful insects and hostile weather and social environment. A major
benefit of the movement for the herdsmen is to maximize the availability of food
resources for the cattle and reduce excessive grazing. Before moving to new areas, the
herdsmen send a reconnaissance team to study the area for availability of resources
such as grass and water.
Source of Income
The sale of goat, sheep and dairy products such as milk constitute the primary
source of income and livelihood for the herdsmen. Their wealth and riches are often

10
measured by the size of the cattle herd. Traditionally, the herdsmen often loan cows
(habbanaya) to one another, and once the cow has birthed and weaned a calf it is
returned to its original owner. These herdsmen herd several species of cattle, but the
zebu cattle is the most common in the West African hinterland because of its drought-
resistant traits. The dwarf Ndama cattle is commonly herded in the wetter areas of
Fouta Djallon and Casamance as result of their resistance to trypanosomiasis and
other conditions directly associated with high humidity.
Residence
Fulani herdsmen build domed houses called "Suudu hudo" or "Bukkaru" made
from grasses. During the dry season, it is often supported with compact millet stalk
pillars, and by reed mats held together and tied against wood poles, in the wet or rainy
season.The advantage of the "Bukkaru" house is that it is mobile, easy to set up and
dismantle as a typical house of nomadic societies. When it is time to relocate, the
houses are dismantled and loaded onto a camel, horses, donkeys and sometimes cattle
for transport. In recent times several herdsmen now live in mud or concrete block
houses
2.1.3 Reoccurrence
Something that is recurring happens over and over again, possibly at regular
intervals. In contrast, something that is reoccurring is simply happening again but not
always repeatedly .To happen again or a number of times(Oxford advanced learners
dictionary 8th edition).
2.1.4 The Origin of Conflict in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State
Guma local government area is located on the northern part of Benue state with
a landmass of 2,882 square kilometers, it is located on latitude (06 033 and 07003)
north and longitude (07060 and 080 12) east, it shares common binderies with tarka
and logo local government areas in the east, Makurdi local government in the south
Doma local government area of Nasarawa lied in the North.
The people of Guma local government are found in isolated villages and towns,
which give herders advantage over them. The people of the area have imbibed

11
Scattered Rural Settlement. The reason for scattered settlement distribution is that of
land speculation. The household wants a vast area of farm land agricultural purposes.
The local government has a total population of 191,599 people according to 2006
census figures. The people inhabiting the area are predominantly Tivs which are
mostly farmers cultivating a variety of grains such as rice, maize, groundnut and
millet, other primary activities include fishing, and rice production by host
communities due to the presence of rivers and plains found along the valley of River
Benue.
Contact with the Traditional rulers, the authorities of the local government
including one on one discussions with the political groups in Guma local government
has indicated that the origin of the conflict between the Tiv farmers and the Fulani
herdsmen has many dimensions. The growth in population of the local government is
partly responsible for the conflict, because as the population increases, so as the
demand for land increases as well, more than 68% of the people living in Guma local
government are farmers and depend on land, which the herders also depend on it so
that their cattle will survive.
The geographical location of Guma local government is also one of the origins
of the crisis between host communities of Guma and Fulani herdsmen, because Guma
local government is situated along banks of river Benue and other minor rivers and
streams which Fulani herdsmen come in to the local government unlawfully through
the routes in Awe, Akor and Tomatar to feed their cattle with the pasture across the
river banks, which the host communities depend solely on it for farming rice, maize
and other grains. Some of the herders do not know their bearings, because there are no
cattle routes, they graze without limit and in most cases they are not guided and so
they cause not just havoc on the crops but the response by the farmers results into
violent conflicts, which lead to wanton destruction of lives and properties.
There is also the issue of mischief makers among Tivs and the Fulanis and it is
a major origin of conflict. This case was mentioned and analyzed by the traditional
rulers in Guma local government who in their words said: “We had reported to Police

12
exactly what our sons reported to us concerning the attack on some of our villages, we
in company of the Police went and did not see anything close to what was reported to
us.”
One of the origins of the conflicts unveiled by the consultants is the money the
Fulanis say they pay for grazing. According to the Fulani’s, they pay homage, pay
compensation and take permission financially to traditional rulers of the Tiv’s to
enable them graze, camp and live amongst them.
2.1.5 The Causes of Conflict between Tiv Farmers and Fulani Herdsmen in
Guma Local Government Area.
Deep rooted cause is the dependency on a common material for existence and
survival without which Tiv farmers and Fulani cattle will not exist. This is a deep
rooted cause. For there to be no conflict there must be a balance in demand – supply
chain, David Norton (1992). This chain cannot be balanced in a wake of ever
increasing population and demographic problems including the rural to urban drift
migration. The causes of some of these attack is destruction of crops by cattle,
contamination of streams by cattle which these communities rely on for drinking,
cooking, bathing and also doing some domestic activities, zero grazing of land
disregard for local traditional authorities, female harassment by herders, harassment
of nomads by host communities by youths, indiscriminate bush burning, also the
Fulani herdsmen refuse to adhere to instruction, norms stipulated by host
communities.
In Guma local government, developers are made to pay a levy of between N20,
000 - N25, 000 to the traditional rulers for every plot somebody is allocated and want
to develop. This is a common practice, which is illegal but allowed to continue. If the
indigenes and other people/ Nigerians are developing in Guma local government at
that cost then it must be true that the traditional rulers are collecting tolls from the
Fulanis’ who claim that they buy pasture land for a given period. The developers give
money and they are not given receipt so the Fulanis too, give money and do not get
receipt for it.

13
2.1.6 The Nature of Conflict in Guma Local Government Area.
The conflict between the Tiv farmers and the cattle Fulanis in Guma local
government is always that of violence, because they claim to part away with a lot of
money to the chiefs as compensation for the land on which they stay, there is always a
violent reaction when they are forcefully and unethically sent away from where they
are. It is their refusal, resistance to go away that cause the rift and fracas resulting into
violence. Generally, the conflict in this local government has been mild until 2009
when there were noticeable reaction and conflict. Reports have it that the death toll in
rural areas of Guma has risen to 348 within the past 7years. Because there is no
enough security agencies posted in the rural areas and because of the distance of the
areas from the urban areas.
The recent episode however was reported to be brutal as the herders attacked
and killed indiscriminately, there were thus a lot of killings of pregnant women,
mothers, children, infants and the old who were above 70 in the conflict which
occurred around Tse Torkula, Tse Akaahena, Akor, Tyulen, Tomatar, Agasha, Daudu,
Gbajimba, Mbamondu, Mbabum, Tse-ikyo, Tse Tseem and Yeriwata areas of Guma.
In Guma local government we can see that state, local government and non-
governmental machineries are the key players in ensuring that peace return to the
areas. The Benue State government has set up a joint committee with the Nasarawa
state government because of wide accusation that the Fulanis are used for reasons
outside of the struggle for material existence. This report has been completed and the
committee set up by government has submitted its report. There are thus calls for
cattle routes, grazing reserves and a call for the status quo of what was happening
before in the operations of cattle rearing enterprise. The question the consultants are
examining in this context is the large increase in the cattle being reared and the
population density alongside with the demand supply relationship for land in Guma
local government particularly in the underdeveloped areas of the local government.
And also not forgetting the 1st January 2018 attack which took place at Tomatar
in Saghev council ward in Guma and neighbouring Ayilamo in Logo local

14
government which the armed herders attacked and killed the ordinary Guma farmers
which had no self-defense, this day is unforgotten in the hearts of those who lost their
loved ones, relatives and properties. The death toll of that attack was risen to more
than 70.
2.1.7 The Effect of Fulani Herdsmen Conflict on the People of Guma Local
Government of Benue State.
There is an obvious inflict of displaced persons in some towns in Guma, the
Local Government did not establish any camp for the displaced persons. Churches,
schools open fields and markets became camps for the displaced. Some people who
had relatives in the neighbouring Asukunya, wannune, Agan and some parts of North
Bank in Makurdi town all ran for safety of their lives. State of Emergency
Management Agency (SEMA) waded in to identify churches and schools where
people were staying and gave them aid. It was also understood after consulting the
head master of LGEA primary school Agasha, Gbajimba, Daudu, NKST church
Gbajimba, Daudu and catholic churches located in some safer areas and open fields
and markets that their premises became emergency places where people had escaped
for survival. Attendant environmental problems associated with health, loss of man-
hours for workers, loss of school session and economic losses are noticed.
The occurrence of Fulani herdsmen attack in Benue state particularly in Guma
local government area, has affected the people in so many ways including;
i. The social effect of the attack by Fulani herdsmen are loss of human life,
sexual harassment, acquiring of weapons/arms, reduction in quality of
social relationship which has a negative psychological effects on man as
it affect one’s performance and self-esteem, reduction of social support
and high cases of rape.
ii. Food insecurity: Benue popularly referred to as the country’s food
basket; has not known peace till date and Guma local is one among the
local governments affected seriously by the conflict, farmers in the
affected communities in the local government have abandoned their farm

15
 lands and fled to safer climes because of herdsmen conflict. They are
today living as internally displaced persons (IDPs). It is very unfortunate
that the killings are taking place at the peak of harvest for farmers in the
affected areas, a situation that will cause food scarcity in the country, if
not properly and quickly addressed. The state chairman of all Farmers
Association of Nigeria, comrade Aondona Kuhe, told the guardian that
the most painful aspect of the crisis is that cattle now feed on farmers
seedlings stored in bans and also the ones that are yet to be harvested.
iii. At the moment, there is food insecurity due to the conflict, price of food
items have astronomically jumped up. Our seedlings are been eaten up by
cattle and there is no peaceful environment in most of the affected
communities to farm despite the deployment of military personnel to the
local government area.
iv. Effect on Educational Sector in Guma; the herdsmen invasion has done a
lot of destruction to our school system most especially the primary and
secondary schools, in Guma Local government area. Schools have been
closed down completely, if you take the students’ population, almost
2000 student in the secondary schools and over 1500 pupils in primary
schools are out of school as a result of their displacement following the
Fulani invasion on the Local government. So you can imagine about
3500 students are displaced. What is happening to those children in terms
of their education? Some of these schools in the affected communities
have been burnt down completely like government secondary school
Gbajimba, the headquarters of Guma primary schools in the areas of
Tomater, Tse Tseem, Tse, Ugbende, Daudu, Tseabi, Yeriwata, Tse-
torkula, Tywlen, Tse ikyo, has been all shutdown as a result of this
conflict.
v. Psychological effects: The Fulani herdsmen invasion in Guma has caused
so many psychological disorders such as anxiety, trauma, depression and

16
 some common psychiatric disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders,
psychotic disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse and suicidal
attempt among internally displaced persons(IDPs) additionally these risk
interact with several environmental factors that directly influence mental
health such as forced evacuation of homes and separation from family
members, loss of loved one(s), properties, inter personal tensions, and
employment opportunities.
vi. Economic effects of herders on farmers: the middle belt region of Nigeria
is among the richest agricultural producing areas in Benue state, whose
slogan is food basket of the nation and again the Fulani herdsmen attack
have been highly concentrated in Benue state and Guma being one of the
most affected local governments in Benue state. In this light, it will be
too unprofessional for the authorities to fold their hands and not look into
the economic crisis this plight has brought to the affected areas, food
shortage has occurred, this has really increased the starvation rate of the
local government and country at large due to low agricultural activities in
the areas. The price of Agricultural produce has increased massively due
to shortage in the supply of this agricultural product against a very high
level of demand, it has also affected the country’s efforts in diversifying
the country’s economy to agriculture, it has affected the economy of the
local government negatively because revenue is been generated from the
sales of this farm products within the local markets of Guma local
government area petty business owners has shutdown their shops and
open places as a result of the conflict.
vii. Local Terrorism/Robbery: the conflict by herdsmen as caused
displacement of the people and properties, security tension and other
irregularities in Guma, as a result of these, there is a good number of
people particularly the youths are in possession of locally made weapons
and some of them are using those weapons to engage in some criminal

17
 acts such as collecting of peoples motorcycles, it has been reported in
some areas of Guma e.g. Agasha, Daudu,Gbajimba, Tomatar, Abinsi.
Rape cases are been reported, kidnapping, stealing and other similar acts.
viii. Underdevelopment: Guma local government has been experiencing rapid
developmental growth in recent times until 2014 when it affected
everywhere in Guma ((9) nine council wards out of (10) ten) have been
affected by this crisis, the only ward not affected is Abinsi, Guma local
government was growing fast in infrastructure, education, agriculture and
business but we can’t boast of any development in the area because
houses have been burnt, schools have been shut down and people have
fled their homes, they can’t farm anymore, and about 60-70% of the
population of Guma are farmers and it is also encouraging rural to urban
trend.
2.2 Theoretical Review.
2.2.1 The Theory of Dialectical Materialism
The main idea of dialectical materialism lies in the concept of evolution of the
natural world and emergence of new qualities of being at new stage of evolution.
Thus dialectical materialism postulation that man’s consciousness of himself in the
society is determined by material conditions. Material condition here refers to what
one owns possesses or what can allude to in the society, and also the way the society
organizes the production, distribution and exchange of these goods and service that
man perceives as his possessions are central in determining man’s material condition.
The theorists of dialectical-materialism are however quick to observe that given the
fact that these materials are limited, man’s aspiration to possess usually results into
conflict with other men seeking the same thing (material). It is this resultant
competition that they call dialectics; thus the term dialectical materialism
(Shakhnozokov 1978).
In the absence of harmonious co-existence in the society and justice as sign for
progress or development, the dialectical materialists are of the firm position that

18
conflict will be inevitable. The exposition here appropriately figures in the situation
obtainable in the farmer nomad scenario in Benue state. It is therefore that each
groups perception of other as a threat to its material condition in the society that
eventually escalates into violent conflicts between them. As the existence of justice
and equality in the means of production and distribution in the socio-economic life of
the people is increasingly becoming rare, conflict over land increase leading to a
situation that the dialectical materialists suggest is a logical consequence of
disequilibrium in a socio-economic system.
2.1.2 Conflict Transformation Theory
Galtung (2003) affirmed that conflict transformation is a never ending process,
it is a continuous process because conflict is instigated by factors such as grievances
caused by political and economic social inequalities amongst groups as it is witnessed
in the North central zone of Nigeria today. The common manifestation of structural
violence in the North central is witnessed in promotion of civil servants, appointments
of political office holders, infrastructural development which are pronounced in one
group than the other. Also, a continuous grieves of marginalization of the other
groups in favour of others based on religious and ethnic affiliation (Francis, 2006).
Conflict transformation is a prescriptive concept. It suggests that left alone,
conflict can have destructive consequences. However, the consequences can be
modified or transformed so that self-images, relationships, and social structures
improve as a result of conflict instead of being harmed by it (Best, 2006).
Transformation involves changing the way conflict is expressed. It may be expressed
competitively, aggressively, or violently, or it may be expressed through non-violent
advocacy, conciliation, or attempted cooperation. Activism is important in early
stages of a conflict to raise people's awareness of an issue because it uses non-violent
advocacy to escalate and confront the conflict. Once awareness and concerns are
generated, then mediation can be used to transform the expression of conflict from
mutually destructive modes, towards dialogue and interdependence.

19
 In the Nigerian context, conflict transformation has been adopted so as to build
constructive changes that include and go beyond the resolution of specific problems.
Conflict transformation also focuses on building healthy relationships amongst
communities and groups locally and Globally (Lederach, 2003). It is important to note
that Nigeria is not the only country suffused with conflict; in fact, conflict has been
humanity’s unending affliction, and this calls for great concern. Rupia (1991) puts it
more bluntly that as long as people and nations pursue different and conflicting
interests, there will always be disagreements, disputes and conflict. This is also
political because politics denotes competition for political authority and the control of
scarce resources which necessarily generates tension between interests. Hence,
conflict may express itself violently when a political system(s) fails to manage
conflicting interests.
The conflict transformation theory usually associated with ethnic conflict is the
methodology of transforming violent conflicts to peaceful outcomes. The theoretical
advancement of the theory was advanced by Galtung with extracted principles from
the major religions of the world bothering on the modalities for transforming violent
conflict to peaceful ends.
The belief of conflict transformation theorists is that conflict exist beyond the
physical manifestation of fighting, protests and armed militia as seen in most parts of
the world today. Rather, conflict is viewed as arising from a hidden structural
relationship which must be addressed by engaging all the associated parties with a
view to transforming interest, relationships, discourse and any other factor responsible
for the persistence of the said conflict. It is this distinct perspective on conflict that
differentiates the theory from other theories of conflict resolution and approach. The
focus of the transformation theory is on the fire rather than the smoke.
At the core of conflict transformation theory is its focus on extensive,
comprehensive and multi-level engagements. In designing programmes to manage
conflict, conflict transformation focuses on efforts that “work simultaneously at
governing elite, community leaders and grass-roots perspectives” (Sisk and Risley,

20
2005). According to Sisk and Risley (2005), another important dimension of conflict
transformation is its “design of programs that address short-, medium and long term
objectives that are reinforced and sustained over time”.
As an advancement to the theory, Galtung conceptualized the transcend method
of achieving conflict transformation. These involves mapping out the conflict
solution, bringing all neglected parties in the conflict to the table, dialoguing with all
parties involved and identifying the goals of each parties. Once this is done, the
conflict transformer as a third party will then identify all forgotten goals before the
conflict, unifying all goals and achieving a common goal for all, determining the task
of all parties required to achieve the common goals, enabling parties to see that
achieving the common goals will lead to the achievement of personal goals and
finally, the eventual transforming of the conflict to a peaceful result.
Conflict transformation has a profound impact and leads to change at various
levels (Lederach, 2003; Galtung, 2000; Augsburger, 1992; Miall, 2004; and
Vayrynen, 1991). For Galtung (2000), in principle change can happen at the global,
social and inter/intra-personal levels. In another view, Augsburger (1992) notes that
conflict transformation occurs in three key areas: attitude transformation where
negative attitudes and perceptions are changed, behaviour transformation and finally
conflict transformation which identifies and removes imbalances and incompatibilities
between groups.
The theoretical premise for attaining conflict transformation was drawn from the
tenets of some of the world major religion, each lending an aspect and perspective to
the ideals of conflict transformation. Hinduism believed that through the intervention
of a conflict transformer, conflict can be created or destroyed and may lead to
violence or development. Buddhism for instance preaches that conflict resolution does
not require the effort of a single individual but a shared responsibility that bothers on
every member of the society. In addition to these dimensions, Christian standard
places a moral responsibility of every Christian to create peace, avoid violence and
have hope for a united society. The Daoist perspective though complex views conflict

21
transformation as a means of changing the status quo of the past, maintaining that,
every action results in a negative and positive feedback thus making it necessary to
take only actions which can be undone. Finally, Islam admonishes that followers
should submit together to a common goal with a responsibility of achieving the
wellbeing of all.
From all religious perspectives, the diverse ethnic group are supposed to be each
other brother’s keeper; ensuring that the welfare of one another is guaranteed at every
point in time. This is however different from reality as religion has not yielded much
fruits in this dimension. Unfortunately, religious leaders including Islam and
Christianity have been found wanting due to the hate speeches and statement that has
succeeded in generating animosity in the system. More so, approach to conflict
resolution via conflict transformation has not been applied the various conflict
bedeviling the socio-economic development of the nation as previous approach has
been tailored toward a short term approach. Thus, recurrence and persistence of
conflict in Nigeria is a common phenomenon.
Conflict transformation theorists overall argue that contemporary conflicts
require more than the reframing of positions and the identification of win-win
outcomes. The very structure of parties and relationships may be embedded in a
pattern of conflictual relationships that extend beyond the particular site of conflict.
Conflict transformation is therefore a process of engaging with and transforming the
relationships, interests, discourses and, if necessary, the very constitution of society
that supports the continuation of violent conflict. Constructive conflict is seen as a
vital agent or catalyst for change. People within the conflict parties, within the society
or region affected, and outsiders with relevant human and material resources all have
complementary roles to play in the long-term process of peace building. This suggests
a comprehensive and wide-ranging approach, emphasizing support for groups within
the society in conflict rather than for the mediation of outsiders. It also recognizes that
conflicts are transformed gradually, through a series of smaller or larger changes as
well as specific steps by means of which a variety of actors may play important roles.

22
2.2.3 Structural conflict/ Violence Theory
The theory of structural conflicts can be linked to two main sub orientations.
The first is the radical structural theory which is represented by the works of
Marxist’s in their dialectical school with major exponents like Karl Marx and
Frederick Engels, V. Lenin, amongst other Marxian scholars. While the second is the
liberal structuralism of Galtung (1990), the main argument of Structural conflict is
that conflict is built into the particular ways in which societies are structured and
organized. Every society is made up of complex components which must be properly
coordinated to achieve stability and solidarity in the system. the society is illustrated
to a human person with legs, hands, heart, lungs and other vital organs of the body all
working together to make a complete individual. Each of the body parts plays specific
roles in the overall interest of the individual. In the same way, every society was
theorized to be composed of social structures, social functions, learning and social
placement. The theory looks at social problems like political and economic exclusion,
injustice, poverty, diseases, exploitation, and inequity as sources of conflict.
Structuralists are of the opinion and maintain that conflicts occur because of the
exploitative and unjust nature of human societies, domination of one class by another.
The social structure exists to pattern and direct human behavior i.e. schools, religious
organization and government. Within the social structure, every individual has a
social function to play in other to achieve a given end i.e. the student is expected to go
to school (social structure), attend classes and study (social function), and contribute
to the society (social placement). Similarly, the aspirant is expected to participate in
an election (social structure), carry out his duties as an elected official (social
function) in other to achieve a development of his nation (social placement). Except
this social system are instituted, it will be difficult to achieve social goals and every
individual must carry out their role due to the interdependence of the system.
In another related perspective, Robert (1957) maintained that the focus of
structural functionalism is the more static and concrete aspect of the society such as
the government that remains unchanging over time. Robert further argued that when

23
every member of the society understand and play their role effectively, the society
will be accommodating to all individuals. This is the dimension that is referred to as
social stratification. Gender inequality to critics has been perpetuated by this
theoretical position that women should understand their role as subordinates to men
and should therefore play their role in the interest of progress in the society.
To stand on this theoretical position, it was assumed that every member of the
society strive towards equilibrium, a state where they work together through the social
structure to achieve a common goal. Also, institutions are assumed to be distinct and
hence should be studied together. Critiques of the theory find these assumptions as
untrue because real world institutions are dependent and function together. The
inefficiency of one institution will affect the efficiency of the other.
In the Nigerian scenario, these social structures exist but they are not efficient.
The inefficiencies of the structures translate to other segments of the society and lead
to overall inefficiency of the nation. When an elected official fails to perform his
responsibilities effectively due to some tribal, ethnic or religious sentiments, his social
function is jeopardized and social goals remain unattained. Rather than striving for
equilibrium, every one seeks to be working to achieve some ethnic or sectional
equilibrium without caring for other members of the society. Using the diagnostic
measure that all the body must function together, the deep disunity among Nigeria is a
clear indication that Nigeria is sick.
In spite of the failure of the ethics of structuralism in the Nigerian institution
due to the inefficiency of individuals to play their role within existing structures and
the biased nature of existing structure that manifest in the form of marginalization and
deprivation of minority groups, the conflict transformation theory presents a viable
prescription to the structural violence that has been associated with the nations
existence since the 1914 amalgamation. In summary, the emphasis of structural theory
is on how the competing interests of groups tie conflict directly into the social,
economic, and political organization of society as well as the nature and strength of
social networks within and between community groups.

24
 Predictably, structural conflict theory has been criticized for its focus on change
and neglect of social stability. Some critics acknowledge that societies are in a
constant state of change, but point out that much of the change is minor or
incremental, not revolutionary. For example, many modern capitalist states have
avoided a communist revolution, and have instead instituted elaborate social service
programs. Although conflict theorists often focus on social change, they have, in fact,
also developed a theory to explain social stability.
The theories of structural conflict generally, if viewed too narrowly, will be seen
to concentrate overly on the conflict party level, focusing on parties, issues, goals and
so on to the exclusion of the context within which the conflict is situated as well as of
the factors which characterize the self-fuelling of conflicts, e.g. markets and cultures
of violence. It is possible, however, to add more representation of the background, for
example building on Galtung‘s simple formulation of conflict. This recognizes that
the meaning of a conflict depends largely on the context out of which it arises. The
attitudes the parties have towards one another are shaped by previous relationships.
The behaviour they adopt is not purely reactive but is based on their memory of what
has happened in the past, and expectations of what may happen in the future.
The context of conflict includes the society in conflict and the wider
international and regional level. Within the society, crucial background aspects are
culture, governance arrangements, institutions, social roles, norms, the rules and
codes in place in a society, and its path of development. For example, in conflicts
involving ethnicity, minorities or challenges to state structures, it is the very structure
of the state that is at issue.
The structural violence paradigm overall offers theoretical insight to the
ongoing crisis. Its logic, as advocated by its chief proponent Johan Galtung,
underscores how socio-cultural systems, political structures and state institutions act
as indirect instigators of violence (Galtung 1969). It further explains how poverty,
class discrimination and societal injustice prevent citizens from reaching their full
potential. Accordingly, the theory suggests how seeds of hostility are sown and

25
ultimately degenerate into large scale uprisings, revolutions and conflicts within
societies.
2.3 Empirical Review
In January 2013, Fulani herdsmen attacked some villages in Nasarawa State,
killing 10 people and displacing over 5000 people. In a fresh attack on some villages
in Nasarawa State, about 33 people were killed in November 2014 (http://
naijagist.com/Fulani-gunmen-attack). More conflict by the armed Fulani herdsmen
came in 2016. Duru (2016) reports a gruesome attack on Agatu Local Government
Area of Benue State in February 2016 in which about 7000 people were driven from
six villages by the Fulani herdsmen. The villagers observed that despite heavy
gunshots by the herdsmen, no military or security presence was felt. Over 200 persons
were killed and houses were razed. In April 2016 there was a renewed attack on
Agatu by the armed herdsmen. Statistics from the Benue State Emergency
Management Agency indicates that no fewer than 30 persons died in the renewed
violence.
Mamah et al. (2016) reveal that Fulani herdsmen in Enugu State in April 2016.
The herdsmen attacked Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area on 25
April 2016, killing over 40 people. Survivors fled to neighbouring communities. Two
days after the Ukpabi Nimbo attack, there was another attack by the Fulani herdsmen
in Umuchigbo community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. It is
clear that the deadly escapades of arms-bearing herdsmen are becoming increasingly
unsettling. They have left their footprints in virtually every part of the country. In
their last outings, they have been very unsparing of the communities (Ede 2016:25–
26).
Militants from the Fulani ethnic group are believed to have killed at least 1229
people in Nigeria in 2014, according to the latest Global Terrorism Index, which
ranked African nations as the world’s third most terrorized countries. The Fulani
militants, together with the terror group Boko Haram, were responsible for more than
7000 deaths that occurred in Nigeria in 2014. While Boko Haram is predominant in

26
the news related to terrorism in Nigeria, little is known about the conflict and
abductions by the Fulani herdsmen (Ludovica 2015).
Adetula (2016) says that according to statistics provided by the Institute for
Economics and Peace, 1229 people were killed in 2014, up from 63 in 2013, and
Benue State seems to be the hardest hit in recent times. Barely 5 days before the end
of Governor Gabriel Suswam’s administration in May 2015, over 100 farmers and
their family members were reportedly massacred in villages and refugee camps
located in the Ukura, Per, Gafa and Tse-Gusa areas of the state. According to reports,
in July 2015, suspected herdsmen attacked Adeke, a community on the outskirts of
the state capital, Makurdi. In December 2015, 6 persons were killed at Idele village in
the Oju Local Government Area. A reprisal attack by youths in the community saw 3
Fulani herdsmen killed and beheaded.
In February 2016, as a result of a clash between herdsmen and farmers in Benue
State, 40 more people were killed, about 2000 displaced and not less than 100 were
seriously injured (Duru 2016). Most recently, more than 92 Nigerians were massacred
by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue and Niger States. Also, before this time, there
were reported conflict by the Fulani pastoralists in the southern states of the country,
including Enugu, Ekiti and Ondo States.
The Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, has lamented that Fulani herdsmen have
killed 710 other Nigerians, excluding the 48 Agatu people in Benue State in the last
10 months, without the federal government addressing the issue. The statement signed
by the founder of the IYM and leader of the South-East Democratic Coalition,
Evangelist Elliot Uko, entitled, ‘Ten Months of Carnage’, read: ‘Between June 2015
and April 2016, Fulani herdsmen have killed over 710 Nigerians (excluding [the]
Agatu incident) in 48 recorded incidents, the highest in recent years’ (Emeka &
Clifford 2016).
Another deadly attack was that of the 2016 southern Kaduna massacre, which
some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have labeled as genocide against
southern Kaduna indigenes. Ajijah (2016) relates that the Catholic Archdiocese of

27
Kafanchan says that the unrest in southern Kaduna State has claimed 808 lives.
Moreover, 53 villages have so far been attacked and 57 people injured, according to
the church. Governor Nasir El Rufai said the attackers were foreign Fulani herdsmen,
who were avenging past conflict on them and their livestock. Mr Yakubu said 4 local
government areas have been attacked, with 808 people killed and 1422 houses, 16
churches, 19 shops and one primary school destroyed (Ajijah 2016).
However, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, the umbrella
organisation of herdsmen, notes that it has lost no fewer than 6000 cows to the crisis
in southern Kaduna (cited in Ibenwa & Uroko 2017:7). Garba (2017) reports that the
National Emergency Management Agency said that 204 people have been killed in
the southern Kaduna crises. Moreover, the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and
locals in southern Kaduna have lasted for months.
Gaps in Literature
Not many research have been carried out on the reoccurrence of herders
conflict witnessed in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Those studies
constitute a significant landmark in this area. There are three schools of thought to be
found within the theoretical literature review of this study all with differing views on
the subject matter. However, most of these views did not establish the effect of the
problems identified on the lives of the people affected by conflict through herdsmen
conflict.
This study adopts the dialectical-materialistic theory or framework as against
the aforementioned, among the literatures found in this study and those done by
others. This is because the main idea of dialectical-materialism lies in the concept of
evolution of the natural world and emergence of new qualities of being at new stages
of evolution. Thus dialectical-materialism clearly postulates that man’s consciousness
of himself in the society is determined by material conditions. Also, it is observed that
given the fact that these materials are limited, man’s aspiration to possess usually
results into conflict with other men seeking the same thing (material). And in the
absence of harmonious co-existence in the society and justice as sign for progress or

28
development, the dialectical materialists are of the firm position that conflict will be
inevitable.
As laudable as the results of empirical studies made in this field, they fail to
clearly demonstrate how it can be used for any reasonable conflict resolution due to
environmental differences and other factors not mentioned. That is why this study
serve to fill this gaps by scrutinizing both concept mention above respectively hence
the need for research model.
2.4 Research Hypothesis
i. There will be a significant effect of Fulani herdsmen conflict on the socio-
economic activities of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
ii. Fulani herdsmen conflict will affect the psychological wellbeing of the people
Guma Local government Area of Benue State.
iii. Fulani herdsmen conflict will affect the development of Guma local
government Area of Benue State

29
 CHAPTER THREE
METHOD
This chapter focuses on the research methods designed to attain the
objectives of this study. This chapter specifically features: the description of
the research design, area of study, population of the study, sample and
sampling technique, data needs, sources of data, instrument for data collection,
validation of instrument, method of data collection and method of data
analysis,
3.1 Design
The research design for this study is the descriptive survey design. The
design is suitable for collecting data from sedentary arable farmers affected by
the conflicts who are Tiv people of Guma local Government and are found in
the affected households at the time of the study. This design is suitable
especially given the large population of farmers in the area. The survey design
is suitable for this study because similar studies have adopted a similar
approach evident in the studies by Vanger (2015), Adisa (2012), Ofuku and
Isife (2015). This design provides a framework for the collection of appropriate
data from the elements of a population through sampling and from its natural
setting. This design allows for sampling, it is less expensive and time
conserving and gives room for generalization.
3.2 Site
Guma local government was created out of the then Makurdi local
government of Benue state in May 1989. The local government derives its
name from River Guma, which traverses the local government from the
Northwest and flows into Northern bank of River Benue. It is situated on the
Northeastern part of Benue State with a landmass of 240,000 sq. km. It shares
common boundaries with Tarka and Logo local government areas in the East,
Makurdi local government area in the South while Doma local government
area of Nasarawa State lies in the West. Gbajimba town, headquarters of the

30
local government area has a strategic location as it is situated at the confluence
of two big rivers of the state. River Benue and Katsina-Ala.
The main occupation of the people of Guma local government is
farming. The local government is endowed with large expanse of fertile land
both in the hinterland and along the valleys of rivers within the local
government. The Tiv people are by this natural endowment noted for the
substantial cultivation of seasonal foods which include yams, cassava, maize,
millet, groundnuts, soybeans, guinea corn, white and yellow mellon (egusi).
Special mention has to be made here that Guma local government produces
more than three quarters of the total yellow (egusi) mellon produced in the
country.
The main producing areas are Uvir and Mbadwem districts. In spite of
the large productions of these crops in the local government area, there are
virtually no agro-allied industries in this area for the processing of these food
items. Great opportunities therefore exist for investors in this area for agro-
allied industries as well as fish preservation and processing industries given the
abundant fish produced from River Benue and the confluence of rivers Benue
and Katsina-Ala. Already, the local government is one of the chosen local
governments in the state by the UNDP for the Artisanal fish programmes.
Guma local government is endowed with a lot of natural resources that
have for ages remained commercially untapped. These include salt deposits at
Tse-Taavaan and Kaseyo, Alluvial clay at the same Tse-Taavaan, zinc deposits
at Kaseyo, barites at Hungwa Dabu and gypsum in Uvir, Saghev, Ndzorov and
Mbadwem districts. These mineral deposits provide investment opportunities,
especially with basic infrastructures already on ground. These include a
network of roads and water routes through rivers Benue and Katsina-Ala. A
trunk ‘A’ road traverses the western part of the local government. This is the
Makurdi – Jos road. The Makurdi – Gboko road, another trunk ‘A’ road has a
long stretch through the local government. This is the Makurdi – Jos road. The

31
Makurdi – Gboko Road, another trunk ‘A’ road has a long stretch through the
local government. The Abinsi – Wukari Road is trunk ‘B’ and passes through a
large portion of the local government. The Makurdi – Daudu – Gbajimba and
Makurdi – University of Agric. Gbajimba are the two major roads linking the
local government headquarters with the state capital and the rest of the world.
The population of the LGA at the 2006 Census was 194,164 (Federal
Government of Nigeria, 2009).
Traditionally, the major clans who are indigenes to Guma LGA are the
Isherev, Utyondo and Nongov. Politically, Guma LGA is divided into ten
council wards namely Abinsi, Kaambe, Mbabai, Mbagwen, Mbagwen,
Mbawa, Mbayev/Yandev, Nyiev, Nzorov, Saghev, and Uvir.
3.3 Participants
The population of the study comprises entire people of Guma local
government which was found to be 194,164 (2006 National Population
Census )
This population include the Tiv arable farmers affected by the farmer-
herder conflicts. The Tiv practice arable farming and own land based on
inheritance, gift and rent on individual basis. Therefore, the population of the
study is Tiv arable farmers of Gma local government, affected by the farmer-
herder conflicts in Guma local government of Benue State, Nigeria.
3.4 Sampling
The study adopted multistage sampling. Stratified sampling was
espoused to sample the 9 affected council ward in Guma Local Government
Areas (LGAs) out of the 10 that make up the Guma local government area.
Thereafter, 4 out of the 9 council Ward affected by the conflicts were randomly
sampled by way of balloting. The 4 council ward randomly selected are: Uvir,
Mbayev Yandev, Saghev and Kaambe. Thereafter, a reconnaissance survey
was conducted with the aid of community heads/leaders in the 4 randomly s

32
 elected council ward for the purpose of identifying farmer households affected
by the conflicts in the area of study.
The affected farmer households in the randomly sampled in the in the
study area stood at 8032. Thereafter, with the aid of the Yamane Taro (1967) formula
for determining sample size from a known population, 202 farmer-household heads
nNh
were drawn as respondents for the study as follows: nh = N
The study randomly sampled farmer households affected by the crisis
in the study area. Thereafter, with the aid of the Yamane Taro (1967)
formula for determining sample size from a known population, 202
farmer-household heads were drawn as respondents for the study as
follows:
N
n= 2
1+ Ne
Where
n = Sample size desired
N = Population size
e = maximum acceptable margin of error (0.05).
1 = Theoretical constant.
Applying this formula in determining the sample size for this study.
We substitute as follow.
N
n=
1+ Ne2
8032
n= 2
1+ 18032(0.05)
8032
n=
1+ 8032 X 0.0025
8032
n=
39.7
n=202.31= 202

33
 Also, the nature of the instrument for data collection is such that farmers
have common knowledge of the practices of both and the changes therein. The
institutional parameters the conflicts are anchored on are also common to them
both. The peace-building measures and or the choice of same, is common to all
affected person. Therefore, the question of bias does not arise due to the nature of the
instrument, farmers are bound to respond based on the reality of the situation
especially that the instrument does not give room for biases in the study
3.5 Instrument
The research instrument that will be used for this study is questionnaire.
The questionnaire was selected by the researcher because it had the capability
of eliciting factual data from a given population. The questionnaire will be
titled: “The Reoccurrence of Fulani herdsmen attack and its effect on the
people of Guma Local government”. The questionnaire will be divided
into two (2) sections covering the research questions raised in chapter one of
the study. The various sections are as follows:
Section A: Bio-data of the respondents
Section B: The Reoccurrence of Fulani herdsmen attack and its effect on the
people of Guma Local government.
3.6 Procedure
The data collection unit was farmers located within the area of study
and affected by the herder-farmer conflicts. Data for the study was collected
through administration of structured questionnaire. 51questionnaires were
administered to each of the four (4) council ward in Guma local government
making a total of 202 questionnaires, the researcher randomly selected the 51
respondent from forty house hold in each council ward. the researcher visited
the house hold personally to administer the questionnaire to the respondents.
the questionnaires were responded to and collected immediately to avoid any
lost
3.7 Data Analysis

34
 In analyzing the data collected, the researcher made good use of the tables and
simple percentages. Data collected were shown in tabular form and percentages
worked out for easier analysis. The three hypothesis were tested using linear
regression analysis to determine the effect of the conflict on the people of
Guma local government area of Benue state.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter handles the result and interpretation of the study. In doing so,
summary tables are used and the results are presented according to the demographic
characteristics and stated hypotheses and their interpretations follow immediately
after each table.
4.2 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
4.2.1 Occupation of Respondents
s/no Item Frequency Percentage
1 Farmer 56 27.7
2 Public Servant 60 29.7
3 Unemployed 40 19.8
4 Others 48 22.8
Total 202 100.00
Source: Field Survey 2019
Result in table 4.2.1 above shows that56 (27.7%) were farmers, 60 (29.7%)
were public servants, 40 (19.8%) were unemployed while 48 (22.8%) were from other
occupations.
4.2.2 Educational Attainment of Respondents
s/no Item Frequency Percentage
1 Primary 22 10.9
3 Secondary 92 45.5
3 Tertiary 88 43.6
Total 202 100.0
Source: Field Survey 2019

35
 Result in table 4.2.2 shows that 22 (10.9%) had primary education, 92 (45.5%)
had secondary education while 88 (43.6%) had tertiary education.

4.2.3 Religion of Respondents

s/no Items Frequency Percentage
1 Christianity 88 43.6
2 Islam 54 26.7
3 Others 60 29.7
Total 202 100.00

Result in table 4.2.3 above shows that88 (43.6%) were Christians, 54 (26.7%)
were Islam while 60 (29.7%) were from other religious affiliations.
4.3 Hypotheses Testing
4.3.1 Hypothesis 1
This hypothesis states that there will be a significant effect of Fulani herdsmen
conflict on the socio-economic activities in Guma local government area of Benue
state. This hypothesis was tested using simple linear regression analysis and the result
is presented in table 4.3.1
Table 4.3.1: Simple linear regression analysis summary table showing the
influence of herdsmen conflict on socio-economic activities of
Guma residents
Variables R R2 F β T p
Constant .740 .547 241.682** 5.213 <.001
Herdsmen Conflict .740 15.546 <.001
** Sig at .001
Dependent Variable: Socio-Economic Activities
F(1, 200) = 241.682; p<.001; R=.740 and R2 = .547

36
 Result in table 4.3.1 shows a significant score. It shows that Fulani herdsmen
conflict significantly affect socio-economic activities in Guma local government area
of Benue state [β = .740, t = 15.546; p<.001]. Observation further shows that conflict
significantly accounted for 54.7% of the total variance observed in socio-economic
activities in Guma local government area of Benue state [R=.740 and R 2 = .547].
Hypothesis one is therefore accepted.
4.3.2 Hypothesis 2
This hypothesis states thatFulani herdsmen conflict will significantly affect the
psychological wellbeing of the people of Guma local government area of Benue state.
This hypothesis was tested using simple linear regression analysis and the result is
presented in table 4.3.2.
Table 4.3.2: Simple linear regression analysis summary table showing the
influence of herdsmen conflict on psychological wellbeing of
Guma residents
Variables R R2 F β T p
Constant .956 .914 2134.507** 5.102 <.001
Herdsmen Conflict .956 46.201 <.001
** Sig at .001
Dependent Variable: Psychological Wellbeing
F(1, 200) = 241.682; p<.001; R=.956 and R2 = .914

Result in table 4.3.2 shows that Fulani herdsmen conflict significantly affect
psychological wellbeing among people in Guma local government area of Benue state
[β = .956, t = 46.201; p<.001]. Observation further shows that conflict significantly
accounted for 91.4% of the total variance observed in psychological wellbeing among
people in Guma local government area of Benue state [R=.956 and R 2 = .914].
Hypothesis two is therefore accepted.
4.3.3 Hypothesis 3

37
 This hypothesis states that Fulani herdsmen conflict will significantly affect
development of Guma local government area of Benue state. This hypothesis was
tested using simple linear regression analysis and the result is presented in table 4.3.3.
Table 4.3.3: Simple linear regression analysis summary table showing the
influence of herdsmen conflict on development of Gumalocal
government area
Variables R R2 F β T p
Constant .972 .946 3486.709 -.980 >.05
Herdsmen Conflict .972 59.048 <.001
** Sig at .001
Dependent Variable:Development of Guma Local Government
F(1, 200) = 3486.709; p<.001; R=.972 and R2 = .946

Result in table 4.3.3 shows that Fulani herdsmen conflict significantly affect
the development of Guma local government area of Benue state [β = .972, t = 59.048;
p<.001]. Observation further shows that conflict significantly accounted for 94.6% of
the total variance observed in its effect on the development of Guma local government
area [R=.972 and R2 = .946]. Hypothesis three is therefore accepted.

38
 CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter will discussed the findings of the study and as well draw conclusion and
made necessary recommendation base on the findings.
5.1 Discussion.
The discussion was made based on the research hypotheses these research
hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression.
Hypothesis one :This hypothesis state that there will be a significant effect
of Fulani herdsmen conflict on the socio-economic activities of Guma
Local Government Area of Benue State.
The study findings reveal that Fulani herdsmen conflict has significantly
affected the socio- economic activities in Guma local Government area of Benue
State. Observation further shows that the conflict significantly account for 54.7% of
the total variance observered in the socio-economic activities in Guma local
government area in Benue State. Thus accepting the Hypothesis which state that there
will be a significant effect of herdsmen conflict on the socio-economic activities in
Guma local government area of Benue State. This is due to low agricultural activities
in the areas causing food shortage and increased the starvation in the area. The price
of Agricultural produce has increased massively due to shortage in the supply it also
affected the economy of the local government negatively because shutdown of the
economic activities in the area especially local markets which serve as source of
revenue of Guma local government area. This finding align with that of Ijirshar, Ker
and Yange (2015) who found that, the number of Fulani Herdsmen attack and deaths
recorded have negative effect on Benue farmers output in the study area and the
socioeconomic effects of the conflict resulting to reduction in crop yield and income
of the Benue farmers; displacement of farmers, loss of lives and properties, loss of

39
products in storage and destruction of public and private facilities. Ajibefun (2018)
also found that the social effect of the menace of Fulani herdsmen are loss of human
life, sexual harassment of human life, acquiring of weapons/arms, reduction in quality
of social relationship, reduction of social support and high cases of rape while the
economic effect of the menace of Fulani herdsmen are reduction in output and income
of farmers/nomads, loss of produce in storage, displacement of farmers, scarcity of
agricultural products, loss of house and properties and infrastructural damages.
Hypothesis Two: This hypothesis state that Fulani herdsmen conflict will
significantly affect the psychological wellbeing of the people Guma Local
government Area of Benue State.
On the psychological wellbeing of Guma residents, the study reveal that Fulani
herdsmen conflict have significantly affect the psychological wellbeing among
people of Guma local government area of Benue State . The finding further shows
that the conflict significantly accounted for 91.4% of the total variance observed in
psychological wellbeing Among people in of Guma local government area of Benue
State. Therefore the study accepted the second hypothesis which state that Fulani
herdsmen conflict will significantly affect the psychological wellbeing among people
of Guma local government area of Benue State. This study agrees with the findings of
Adisa (2012) who found that the herdsmen and farmers conflict portend grave
consequences for rural development. It has demonstrated great potential to affect
various aspects of rural life. The conflicts had far reaching economic, production and
socio-psychological effects because Fulani herdsmen invasion has caused so many
psychological disorders such as anxiety, trauma, depression and some common
psychiatric disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders,
personality disorders, substance abuse and suicidal attempt among internally
displaced persons(IDPs) additionally these risk interact with several environmental
factors that directly influence mental health such as forced evacuation of homes and
separation from family members, loss of loved one(s), properties, inter personal
tensions, and employment opportunities.

40
 Hypothesis Three: This hypothesis state that Fulani herdsmen conflict will
significantly affect the development of Guma local government Area of
Benue State
The study also found out the influence of herdsmen crises on the development
of Guma local government area and the result indicated that Fulani herdsmen conflict
significantly affect the development of Guma local government area of Benue
State .The result further shows that that the conflict significantly accounted for 94.6%
of the total variance observed on its effect on the development of Guma local
government area of Benue State. The study therefore accepted the third hypothesis
which state that herdsmen crises will significantly affect the development of Guma
local government area of Benue State. This is true because the conflict have affected
both infrastructure , education, agriculture and business development in the area as a
result of the destructions of lives and properties which cause people to abundant their
homes, farms and business. This result also align with the finding of Okoli and Addo
(2018) whose study reveal that the Fulani herds-farmers crises in Benue State is
intractable leading to increase in food shortage, damage to farmlands,
crops and crop yields destroyed, farm input very exorbitant, and
farmers exterminated, the peaceful co-existence of communities and their hosts
strained, socio-economic activities of host communities affected, all these
leading to increase in the price of food items, commodities and persistent
shortage of food available to consumers. Also the frequent clashes between herders
and farmers in the predominantly farming areas of the State have resulted in the
destruction of lives and farmlands and have become a major threat to efforts to boost
food security. This has also resulted in a drastic reduction in farm outputs, a
development that has heightened the fear of hunger and other developmental
efforts in these communities.
5.2 Conclusion

41
 The study examine the effect of the reoccurrence of Fulani Herdsmen conflict
on the people of Guma local government of Benue state. The aim was to determine
the socia-economic effect, psychological effect and the effect on the development.
The findings indicate that Fulani herdsmen conflict has significantly affect the socio-
economic activities, psychological wellbeing and development in Guma local
Government area of Benue State. thus the study concluded that reoccurrence of
herders conflict witnessed in Guma local government have resulted to loss of lives,
properties, environmental degradation, and psychological disorders among people in
the area.
5.3 Recommendations
1. There is need for educational intervention to educate both Farmers and Fulani
herdsmen to better understand the Socio-economic, psychological implication
of the crisis on both farmers and Herdsmen.
2. Education among the two parties should be realistically encouraged. This
would not only lead to better perception but also create better opportunity for
awareness of realistic coping strategies,
3. The anti open grazing prohibition law enacted by the Benue state government
should be fully implemented. So as to drastically reduce Fulani herdsmen
/farmers crises that threaten socio-economic, psychological and development
of the affected communities in Benue State

42
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 Department of Psychology,
Benue State University
Makurdi.
21 july, 2019.

The reoccurrence of Fulani herdsmen conflict and its effect on the people of
Guma Local government.

Dear Respondent,
This instrument is designed to collect data from you on Fulani herdsmen attack and its
effect on the people of Guma Local government of Benue State, Nigeria. The
information you provide will be treated as confidential and used purely for academic
research purposes.
Thank you.

AWAMBE ORJIR JUDGE

SECTION “A” DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDENTS

INSTRUCTION: Please tick (√) the option that best describes your demographic
characteristics.

1. Occupation: i. Farmer [ ] ii. civil servant [ ], iii public servants [ ],

unemployed [ ]

2. Age: .......................................................

46
 3. Educational Attainment: i. non former education [ ] ii. Primary [ ] iii.
Secondary [ ] v. Tertiary [ ]

4. Farmer/herdsmen crisis experience: ...................................................

Religion: Christianity Traditional [ ] Others (Specify) What are the socio-
economic implications of crises between the Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen
in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State?
Item 4 3 2 1
I Does the Fulani conflict affect Local Markets in your area?
Ii Does the Fulani conflict affect Local Community Banks in your
area?
Iii Does the Fulani conflict affect Farmers Cooperative
group/society in your area?
Iv Does the Fulani conflict affect Agricultural shows in your area?
V Does the Fulani conflict affect Farmers General Meetings in
your area?
Vi Does the Fulani conflict affect Agricultural Festivals in your
area?
Vii Does the Fulani conflict affect farming activities in your area?
Viii Does the Fulani conflict affect farm yield in your area?
KEY: Strongly Agree (4), Agree (3), Disagree(2), Strongly disagree (1)

iv. To what extent did the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers
conflict affect the development in Guma local government area of Benue
State
KEY: Very high extent (4), High Extent (3) Low Extent (2), Very Low Extent (1)
4 3 2 1
ix To what extent did the conflict between Fulani herdsmen and

47
 farmers affect the development of hospitals in your area?
X To what extent did the conflict between Fulani herdsmen and
farmers affect the development of schools in your area?
xi To what extent did the conflict between Fulani herdsmen and
farmers affect the development of markets in your area?
Xii To what extent did the conflict between Fulani herdsmen and
farmers affect the development of infrastructures ( road,
bridges, electricity etc ) in your area

iii. To what extent the crises between Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen has
affect the psychological wellbeing of the people Guma Local government
areas of Benue state?
KEY: Very high extent (4), High Extent (3) Low Extent (2), Very Low Extent (1)
4 3 2 1
To what extent did the crises between Tiv farmers and Fulani
herdsmen affect your Autonomy?
To what extent did the crises between Tiv farmers and Fulani
herdsmen affect your Environmental mastery?
To what extent did the crises between Tiv farmers and Fulani
herdsmen affect your Personal growth?
To what extent did the crises between Tiv farmers and Fulani
herdsmen affect your Positive relations with others?
To what extent did the crises between Tiv farmers and Fulani
herdsmen affect your Purpose in life?
To what extent did the crises between Tiv farmers and Fulani
herdsmen affect your Self-acceptance?

48
49