Violent Crisis and Economic Development in Wukari Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

It is no longer news that the Southern part of Taraba has been bedeviled with incessant violent crises which have claimed precious lives and properties. The major aim and objectives of this study is to assess/ascertain the causes and effect of violent crisis on economic development in Wukari LGA between 2012 and 2017and to suggest possible lasting solution to the phenomenon. The paper adopted Marxist-Pluralist theoretical framework. The study employed the instrument of questionnaire and descriptive statistical method of data analysis using SPSS Evaluation Version 15.0.The paper found that the causes of crises in various localities of Wukari LGA are multidimensional. Generally, the study noted that persistent violent crises in the area have led to reckless killings and wanton destruction of properties amounting to billions of Naira, which significantly affected socioeconomic development as well as increased the level of social-cum-residential segregation among the people. Based on the findings, this paper therefore concludes/recommended that for any meaningful development to take place in Wukari LGA, a number of policies that will check crises and address the problems of the people have to be put in place by government at all levels. These may include among others; Provision of job opportunities, establishment of skills acquisition programmes, establishment of ranches-cum-prevention of open grazing, etc. There should be ethno-religious sensitization/awareness on the need to live together and tolerant one another.