Violent conflict has consistently been a major security challenge affecting Nigeria, especially since 1999, the fourth republic in 1999. Benue and Plateau states remain some of the most affected states in the north-central region. This is evident from the rate and level of consistent attacks, which have caused great havoc across the board and led to humanitarian, socio-economic, political, and security consequences. This article examines the nature and pattern of violent conflict in Benue and Plateau States, emphasising the historical roots, causes, manifestations, actors, dynamics, and implications of the conflicts. Using a qualitative historical and analytical approach, the study relies on primary and secondary sources, including oral information from key informants, books, journal articles, government reports, newspapers, policy documents, and conflict assessment reports. The article argues that violent conflicts in Benue and Plateau States are the product of a complex interaction of historical grievances, indigene-settler dichotomy, competition over land and grazing resources, environmental pressures, political manipulation, ethno-religious divisions, proliferation of arms, and weak state responses. The study further reveals that the conflicts have evolved from isolated communal disputes into organized and protracted violent confrontations characterized by mass killings, displacement, livelihood destruction, and deepening mistrust among communities. The article concludes that sustainable peace in North Central Nigeria requires comprehensive conflict management strategies that address structural inequalities, promote inclusive governance, strengthen local peacebuilding institutions, improve security architecture, and encourage dialogue among conflicting groups especially, at the grassroots level.
Yusuf et al. (Mon,) studied this question.