Youth Agitation and Criminality: Implications on Socio-economic Development of Tivland, 2001-2023 (Published)
Globally, youth agitation has remained a perennial problem and has resulted in a lot of civil unrest. In Africa, it is a behavioural pattern that has degenerated into numerous implications, which relate to issues of neglect, lack of recognition, non-inclusion in development/political blueprint, instability, and rural conflict. In Tivland of Benue State, agitation by youth has led to insecurity and other criminal activities. Particularly in the Sankera axis, which comprises (Logo, Katsina-Ala, and Ukum, Local Government Areas). The effect of this phenomenon has provoked this study. The study adopts the application of a multidisciplinary instrumentation based on qualitative and quantitative research methods of data collection, relying mainly on both primary and secondary sources, with quantitative content analysis deployed to present data on undocumented deaths and destruction of properties. Findings indicate that agitations from youths within the Sankera axis took a criminal dimension and created a violent socio-economic and political atmosphere that led to kidnapping, armed robbery, and killings. This ugly development not only disrupted economic activities but also threatened the rural peace of the area and other social endeavours. The domino effect spilled to places like Wukuri, Takum, and some parts of Taraba state. Insecurity, occasioned by youth agitation, led to more than 10,000 deaths. It also led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in the Sankera axis of Tivland. Relatedly, it has resulted in educational collapse and low agricultural output in the areas, also affecting trade and the free flow of humans.
Keywords: Crime, Development, Displacement, Economy, Insecurity, Tivland, Youth, agitations