Traditional-Religious Leaders in Addressing Insecurity of Cattle Rustling and Armed Banditry in Katsina State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examines the role of traditional and religious leaders in addressing the insecurity challenges of cattle rustling and armed banditry in Katsina state, Nigeria. The study is anchored within Lederach’s (1997) peacebuilding model. A mixed methods were used, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data was collected using 384 questionnaires comprised both open and closed-ended questions and administered appropriately in the eight (8) affected local government areas purposely selected to study. A semi-structured questionnaire was also designed, and conducted interviews with twenty (20) traditional and religious leaders randomly selected from study areas. The study adopted content and descriptive methods of data analysis using statistical tools like tables, graphs, and percentages. The study established that seventy-seven percent (77%) of the respondents acknowledged the efforts of traditional leaders, including dialogue and reconciliation attempts, formation of peace committees, creation of vigilante groups for self-defence, advising the government, and supporting security personnel with information, etc. Fifteen percent (15%) of the respondents disagreed, and eight percent (8%) were neutral. At the same time, religious leaders engaged in constant prayers, preachings, sensitization, reorientation, and attitude transformation, among others, as identified by eighty-five percent (85%) of the respondents. Seven percent (7%) disagreed, while eight percent (8%) were neutral. However, the study concluded that the insecurity challenges of cattle rustling and armed banditry are beyond the traditional and religious leaders’ capabilities. Their efforts alone could not resolve the insecurity problems. It must be the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to achieve a permanent resolution and sustainable peace in Katsina state.
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References
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