The herdsmen migration and the growing insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for Nigeria

Abstract

The incessant crises between migrating herdsmen and many farming communities in sub-Sahara Africa have become alarming in recent times. The activities of the migrating Fulani herdsmen and the incessant clashes with farmers give credence to the facts of insecurity. From Mali, Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria, it is the same story of insecurity. Nigeria especially has become the centre of banditry and terrorism. Factors such as unemployment, bad governance, poverty, marginalization and social imbalance each play a role in producing bandits and terrorists. While migration is part of life, the conflict that it creates with locals raises much concern. Its multiplier effects include food insecurity, unemployment, poverty and marginalization. The crises have also scared away foreign investors. Inflation has increased. This paper aims to examine the reasons for herder migration, its attendant conflicts with local communities and the effect of insecurity on the social and economic life of the people. This paper believes that government intervention in the control and management of Fulani herdsmen through the security architecture of Nigeria will minimize the insecurity problem of the country. While the paper sees herding as a private business, it suggests a policy for ranching as an alternative. The paper suggests that through peace education the tide of insecurity in Nigeria will be stemmed.