Briefing Paper

Rural Banditry and Social Conflicts in Plateau State

The study revealed that displacement is the single most recurring and severe effect of cattle rustling and social conflicts across the five select LGAs in the state. This is followed by loss of livelihood ahead of loss of lives. This finding suggests that women and children are impacted the most. They are more vulnerable to displacement and consequent loss of livelihood. The study also established that there is a nexus between state response and rural banditry. It was observed that one experience of rural banditry very often leads to a further attack, in the form of a self help rescue mission or robbery attack on the perceived perpetrators of the first attack as a punitive measure.