ARMED VIOLENCE TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENT IMPEDIMENTS: CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR DEVELOPMENT MODEL (CRDM) PROPOSITION

Abstract

Existing armed violence in Nigeria has negative consequences on socio-economic development. The pervasiveness of armed violence has been attributed to the emerging trend of growing association between local, regional, and worldwide militant and terrorist groups till targeting the destabilization of Nigeria. Worried by these ugly developments, this paper examined the lingering conflict in the Niger Delta and resolution strategies to address them. The study drew samples from three communities having different ethnic groups in three local government areas in Delta State. The sampling strategy involved purposive technique and in-depth interviews using15 informants. The data generated were organized and characterized in themes using NVIVO 10 software for the analysis and evolvement of models. Based on the findings, it was discovered that structural deficiencies are not just the main reasons to ignite conflicts but are triggered by other factors such as intimidation, disproportionate force, illegal detention etc. A model was proposed and the study recommends the need to strengthen all government actions that will harmonize development, political, policing, military, and diplomatic efforts.