AN INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPACT OF BANDITRY ON HUMAN DISPLACEMENT IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background of the study

Banditry and the resulting displacement of individuals have emerged as a widespread worldwide humanitarian crisis, with profound and extensive implications that are more effectively comprehended via imagination rather than personal experience. The issue at hand has significant implications for the political, social, and economic well-being of the individuals impacted, thereby presenting a substantial challenge to the achievement of sustainable human development in the affected regions and territories (Abubakar, 2020). The Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Myanmar, particularly in relation to the Rohingya population, have experienced significant instances of human displacement. These occurrences have garnered considerable international attention, including at the United Nations. The resulting ramifications, such as disease, poverty, sexual abuse, epidemics, and limited educational opportunities, have generated a broader global outcry. Nigeria is one of the nations experiencing elevated levels of internally displaced individuals, with their population demonstrating a discernible upward trend at frequent intervals. Numerous states and communities inside Nigeria have experienced and continue to endure the adverse consequences of this calamity (Anka, 2018). The occurrence of this calamity, prevalent in some regions of Nigeria, may be attributed to factors such as community conflicts, civil unrest, outbreaks of diseases, criminal activities, and acts of violence. The issue of human relocation often presents itself in various magnitudes. The operations of armed bandits in several northern areas of Nigeria are now seen as very detrimental and concerning. Indeed, there is a proliferation of stories detailing instances of bandits equipped with advanced weaponry engaging in acts of violence against herder villages and farms, with the explicit intent of causing harm to people and looting livestock. Ahmadu Sulaiman, the head of the Kaduna States Miyetti Allah animals Breeders Association of Nigeria, said that a total of roughly 7,000 animals were stolen from both commercial livestock farms and traditional herders in Northern Nigeria during the period between October 2013 and March 2014 (Azeez and Aliyu, 2016). The extensive scope of armed banditry has resulted in a significant prevalence of fatalities, injuries, and forced migration among persons residing in this region. Moreover, the phenomenon of internal insecurity has compelled those impacted by it to relocate or migrate to alternative locations deemed secure for habitation. Therefore, the abrupt and unforeseen motion has an impact on their overall welfare, particularly in terms of politics, psychology, social dynamics, and most importantly, the economy. According to Ban Ki-moon (2015), the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, displacement continues to be widely regarded as the foremost humanitarian crisis confronting the global community. According to the work of Eweka and Olusegun (2016), it is said that... Even more distressing is the fact that the lives of these displaced individuals are often endangered, as they face the potential risks of epidemics, illnesses, malnutrition, destitution, limited educational opportunities, and instances of sexual assault. Therefore, the study examine the  impact of banditry on Human Displacement in Nigeria.

1.2  Statement of the problem

The Nigerian Government and non-governmental organisations are now grappling with the challenge of addressing banditry and human displacement, which have surfaced as pressing issues that need to be effectively managed. This is being done with the aim of enhancing human security and promoting socio-economic development inside the nation. The current situation may be attributed to the efforts of criminal elements that want to destabilise the nation and instill a sense of insecurity among its population, particularly in Zamfara State. The concept of human security pertains to the inherent worth of human life within a certain societal context. The observation has been made that any factor that diminishes the overall well-being of individuals, such as war, limited access to essential resources, environmental deterioration, or population pressures, may be seen as a violation of human security. Consequently, these factors are seen as potential threats to human security (Kusa & Salihu, 2015). Scholars have elucidated that internally displaced individuals (IDPs) represent a significant manifestation of human insecurity crises (Ejiorfor, O.C, Oni, S. and Sejero, J.V., 2017). The issue of the Armed Bandit and livestock rustling has presented significant security issues to Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole. This phenomenon has been seen by experts (Egwu, 2015, Momale, 2015) as criminal businesses, having significant implications for the socio-economic, political, cultural, and psychological aspects of the impacted society. The magnitude of armed banditry activities has been noted to be significant, resulting in both local and international attention and worry. This phenomenon may be attributed to the displacement of a significant number of individuals who were compelled to abandon their residences in search of refuge in unknown and unfamiliar territories. Consequently, this displacement resulted in the loss of personal belongings and subjected them to considerable adversity and preventable hazards. The prevailing concerns lie in the persistent nature of the issue, despite the implementation of several governmental plans, initiatives, and interventions aimed at mitigating this problem. Furthermore, the alarming pace at which the population of displaced individuals is increasing remains a significant cause for distress. Efforts to alleviate the issue became more burdensome for the state, the impacted towns, and the nation as a whole. The situation has raised significant concerns among governmental bodies, as well as local and international agencies. This is primarily due to the extensive damage caused by the activities of Armed Banditry and cattle rustlers in the communities of Zamfara State. These nefarious actions have had a detrimental effect on both the state and national sustainable economic development. The severity of this issue has reached a point where the previous Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, reportedly renounced his constitutional duty as the state's primary security official on a certain occasion. Undoubtedly, the issue has had a detrimental influence on both the State and National levels. At the national level, there is a concerted effort to diversify the economy from oil to agriculture. This shift in focus has led to increased emphasis on agricultural development. However, the prevailing wave of violence and destruction targeting individuals who are essential to the functioning of the agricultural sectors has resulted in significant disruptions to agricultural production in the country. Zamfara State is recognised as a significant agricultural producer at the state level. Any factors that disrupt farmers' access to their farmlands and hinder their cattle-related livelihoods will undoubtedly have detrimental effects on the economy. Indeed, the commencement of this phenomenon is already evident, as shown by the current scarcity of food items and the exorbitant prices of both essential commodities and the expense of living within the region. According to Anka (2018). Arising from the forgoing, therefore this study intends to investigate the impact of banditry on Human Displacement in Nigeria.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the impact of banditry on human displacement in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows:

i.          Examine the perceived causes of banditry in Nigeria.

ii.        Find out the relationship between banditry and human displacement in Nigeria.

iii.      Recommend strategies to curb banditry and human displacement in Nigeria.

1.4  Research Question

The study will be guided by the following questions;

i.                    What are the perceived causes of banditry in Nigeria?

ii.                  Is there a relationship between banditry and human displacement in Nigeria?

iii.                What are the strategies to curb banditry and human displacement in Nigeria?

1.5  Significance of the study

The study is significant to the Nigerian government, policy makers, security agencies, as they will be exposed to the damage banditry is wrecking on communities which has resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents from their ancestrl homes, therefore the findings of the study will suggest solutions to the issue of banditry.

The study is significant to the academic communities as it will contribute to the catologue of knowledge in libraries both public and private.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on the impact of banditry on human displacement in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Hence, the study will examine the perceived causes of banditry in Nigeria, find out the relationship between banditry and human displacement in Nigeria and recommend strategies to curb bandirty and human displacement in Nigeria. Hence, the study is delimited to Zamfara State.

1.8       Limitations of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9       Definition of terms

Banditry: acts of robbery and violence in areas where the rule of law has broken down

Human Displacement: the relocation of large numbers of people from their homes.