MECHANISMS OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA: INTERACTIONS BETWEEN STATE AND NON-STATE ACTORS AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
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Abstract
Conflict remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, manifesting in diverse forms such as ethno-religious violence, farmer-herder clashes, political rivalries, resource-based and land disputes, and insurgency. The study examined mechanisms of conflict resolution in North-Central Nigeria, focusing on interactions between state and non-state actors. The study specifically looked at how the state actors such as courts (judiciary), police and non-state actors such the traditional rulers and NGOs interact to resolve communal and resource conflicts in North-Central Nigeria. Material for literature review were sourced from primary and secondary sources for the study. The study employed the social contract theory proposed by Thomas Hobbes to frame the theoretical standpoint, and 400 respondents were selected through stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. Data for the study were obtained using the questionnaire and was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean deviation while simple linear regression was used to test the hypotheses. Hypothetical analysis and results from the findings indicated a statistical difference between state and non-state actors’ mechanisms of conflict resolution. The study recommended that the ministry of Justice both at federal and state level should promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism and create units within the judiciary, enabling disputants to resolve cases out of court through mediation facilitated by certified mediators, including traditional institutions.
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