ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNAL CONFLICT AS BANE TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN IHIMA COMMUNITY, KOGI STATE
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Date
2020
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Abstract
The study assessed communal conflict as bane to socio-economic development in Ihima
community, Kogi State. Needless to say, the ugly hand of the conflict caused by competition
for resources; ethnic loyalty; drive for authority etc. hashampered socio-economic activities
in the community. The study therefore assessed communal conflict as bane to tourism,
patronage on clay pot production and sale as well as to social activities. The study made use
of focus group discussions, interviews, andobservations to obtain primary data necessary for
the study. Secondary data was derived from Ihima Peace Committee Report, Community
Development record on socio-economic development of Ihima Community, Kogi State
Judicial Commission report, YearBook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism
Statistics among others. The data for the study was analyzed using thematic analysis.The
Marxist theory of conflict was used as theoretical framework to lend credence to the study.
The major argument of the theory was that people’s behaviour are primarily a reflection of
cultural background which affects the social and economic activities. The study has revealed
that communal conflicts in Ihima community led to reduction of tourist activities; a crucial
dimension of this study also revealed that production level in clay pot industry reduced
significantly and lastly, the study also found that the Emani-Ohunwa conflict in Ihima
community negatively affected social activities (sporting and cultural festivals) that used to
be unifying factors in the community. The study therefore, recommends among others the
need to ensure high level consultation before holding any meetings; the need for conflict
resolution practices to be undertaken not only on clan’s levels, but also at a higher level
among others.