CHARACTERIZATION OF CONFLICT AMONG RURAL YOUTHS IN WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10/3303/jees.2026.0301/023Keywords:
Characterization, Rural Youth, Hotspots, Farmer-Herder ConflictAbstract
This study provides a comprehensive spatio-temporal characterization of conflict affecting rural youths in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria, from 1990 to 2023. Employing a mixed-methods approach integrating surveys, historical mapping, and qualitative interviews, the research analyzed conflict duration, spatial distribution, and temporal dynamics. Findings indicate that conflict is predominantly prolonged, with 46.9% and 36.6% of respondents experiencing months-long and years-long durations, respectively. Spatially, Akwana, Bantaje, Chonku, and Kente wards were identified as persistent multi-typology hotspots. Temporally, four distinct waves were characterized: tribal disputes (1990-1992); ethno-religious and chieftaincy conflicts (2001-2002); peak religious violence with regional spillover (2013-2015); and climate-resource stressed conflicts (2019-2023). The synthesis reveals conflict as multi-scalar and evolving, driven by an interaction of deep historical grievances, politicized identities, and emerging environmental stressors. The study concludes that the entrenched, spatially concentrated, and dynamically evolving nature of violence necessitates long-term, spatially targeted, and temporally adaptive peacebuilding strategies specifically tailored to protect and empower rural youth.
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