The Role of Criminal Gangs in the Farmers-Herders Conflict in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

The study assessed the involvement of criminal gangs in the farmers-herders conflict in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the extent of criminal gangs’ involvement in the farmers-herders conflict, assess the activities of criminal gangs in the farmers-herders conflict and determine the impacts of these activities on the farmers’ herders’ conflict in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The explorative and cross-sectional designs were adopted for the study. The sample size for the study was made up of 368 respondents comprising victims of the conflict, security agencies, and traditional and religious leaders while questionnaires and key informant interviews were used as methods of data collection. Collected data was analyzed with the use of tables, frequencies, percentages and figures. The findings of the study revealed that criminal gangs are highly involved in the farmers-herders conflict in the study area. Cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and arms trafficking among others were found as the major activities engaged in by criminal gangs in the study area. These activities contribute to increased violence, fear and mistrust, and displacement of communities, impeding conflict resolution efforts, and exacerbating the existing tensions. Based on the findings, the study recommends a multi-faceted approach, including improved security measures, community engagement, and socio-economic interventions to address the root causes of criminal gangs' involvement in the conflict.