‘I lost over 700 tubers of yam but am glad I am still alive’: Implications of victimhood and displacement on conflict management – Insights from displaced farmers in North Central Nigeria
| Published date | 01 May 2024 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/02697580231193691 |
| Author | Victor Onyilor Achem,Adeyinka Abideen Aderinto |
| Date | 01 May 2024 |
https://doi.org/10.1177/02697580231193691
International Review of Victimology
2024, Vol. 30(2) 379 –400
© The Author(s) 2023
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DOI: 10.1177/02697580231193691
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‘I lost over 700 tubers of yam
but am glad I am still alive’:
Implications of victimhood
and displacement on conflict
management – Insights from
displaced farmers in
North Central Nigeria
Victor Onyilor Achem
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Adeyinka Abideen Aderinto
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigates the victimisation and challenges faced by the displaced agricultural community
in North-Central Nigeria. The study argues that the significant loss and suffering experienced
within this victimisation context contribute to the emergence of post-displacement stressors
and act as catalysts for further acts of violence. A sample of 42 participant was selected using a
combination of convenience sampling, snowball sampling, and purposeful sampling techniques. The
participant were chosen from Daudu camps 1 and 2 (Mbawa), the Gbajimba internally displaced
person (IDP) camp (Nzorov), and the Naka IDP camp (Ikyaghev). Data collection involved 8
focus group discussions with victims and 42 in-depth interviews with primary, secondary, and
reintegrated victims, as well as representatives of herders. In addition, 14 key informant interviews
were conducted with personnel from active non-governmental organisations (NGOs), IDP camp
officials, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials, police and army personnel,
the head of a local vigilante group, and traditional district heads. Qualitative data analysis was
performed thematically using NVIVO 12 Plus, a qualitative data analysis software. The findings
highlight that food insecurity emerges as the primary challenge faced by the displaced population.
Other challenges include poor living conditions, inadequate healthcare, a lack of employment
Corresponding author:
Victor Onyilor Achem, Department of Sociology, Faculty of The Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005,
Nigeria.
Email: victorachem@rocketmail.com
1193691IRV0010.1177/02697580231193691International Review of VictimologyAchem and Aderinto
research-article2023
Article
380 International Review of Victimology 30(2)
opportunities, a high number of out-of-school children, emotional difficulties, and water and
sanitation problems. Returnees face challenges in reconstructing damaged properties, establishing
water sources, and ensuring adequate security. Most participant rely on support from SEMA,
humanitarian NGOs, and donations from private individuals and groups. Based on the research
results, the study proposes relevant policies for the government and other agencies involved
in assisting displaced populations. It emphasises the need for the government to engage with
individuals and groups to provide long-term assistance for victims’ rehabilitation, reintegration,
and recovery.
Keywords
Reintegration, displacement, victimology, herder–farmer, restorative justice
Introduction
Herder–farmer violence in North-Central Nigeria has emerged as a pressing issue with signifi-
cant humanitarian and socio-economic implications. This violence, characterised by clashes and
conflicts between pastoralists and sedentary farmers, has resulted in widespread displacement,
loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods. This violent mobilisation,
with its attacks and counter-attacks, has wreaked severe economic effects, with possibly severe
political and security impacts (Olayoku, 2016). Understanding the extent of victimisation fatali-
ties and the subsequent challenges faced by the displaced populations is crucial for developing
effective interventions and policies to address the root causes of this violence and promote long-
term stability.
Recent studies have shed light on the dynamics of herder–farmer violence in Nigeria, highlight-
ing its complex nature and multifaceted impacts. For instance, a study by Idris and Adamu (2021)
explored the underlying drivers of the conflict, emphasising the competition for scarce resources,
changing land-use patterns, and ethno-religious factors. The authors argue that a deeper under-
standing of these drivers is essential for developing sustainable peacebuilding strategies. Similarly,
Ogunbodede and Ogundele (2022) examined the socio-economic consequences of herder–farmer
conflicts, emphasising the detrimental effects on agricultural productivity, food security, and rural
development. Their findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to mitigate
the socio-economic impacts on affected communities. The post-conflict effect and challenges are
particularly critical. According to the International Crisis Group report (2018), from September
2017 to June 2018, farmer–herder violence left at least 1,500 people dead, many more wounded,
and about 300,000 displaced, an estimated 176,000 in Benue state and about 100,000 in Nasarawa
state, both in Nigeria (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), 2019, 2021; International
Crisis Group (ICG), 2018).
In addition to these studies, research on the victimisation and post-displacement challenges
faced by the affected populations provides critical insights into the long-term consequences of
herder–farmer violence. A study conducted by Abubakar et al. (2022) focused on the psychological
and emotional impacts of displacement, revealing the high prevalence of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) symptoms among the displaced agricultural communities. The authors stress the
importance of addressing the mental health needs of the victims to promote their well-being and
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