BANDITRY AN IMPEDIMENT TO SOCIO –ECONOMIC DVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA. A STUDY OF MARADUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ZAMFARA STATE.NIGERIA

Abstract

In recent times, banditry as an organized crime committed by outlaws which involved threat, violence, robbery, murder, rape, cattle rustling and extortion have become a regular feature of social life in Nigeria. These conflicts result from different value system, aggressive competition for land and grazing reserve. There is hardly a day when there is no major attack especially in Northern parts of the country, whereby, leaving many dead, maimed and numerous other displaced. To this end, this study examined the extent to which the banditry has affected the socio-economic development of rural communities especially Maradum local Government Area of Zamfara state This paper focused on Maradun, where many villages are rendered homeless, leaving their ancestral home to a more secured destinations whereby affecting their socio-economic activities, such as farming, livestock, fishery and educational activities. Methodology used in the study was both quantitative and qualitative methods (questionnaire and in-depth interview). Through mutlti-stage cluster and purposive sampling techniques. The conflict theory was adopted as theoretical framework. The findings show that there is significant relationship between banditry and socio- economic instabilities in North. The paper recommended among others there is urgent need for tight security in our international borders by the combined efforts of Nigerian security agents.