FULANI HERDSMEN ATTACKS ON FARMING COMMUNITIES

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

The bloody clashes between Fulani herdsmen and crop farmers across Nigeria with its attendant socio-economic and psychological consequences have left people in anguish and perpetual trauma. The traumatic experiences that accompany Fulani herdsmen invasion in-turn lead to urge for reprisals, widen inter-ethnic/group relationship, breeds suspicion and tendency to aggress. The attacks not only destroy psychological wellbeing but also dampen the economic and social fabric of the victims. Farming communities affected by the conflict often run to internally displaced persons camp (IDP) thereby abandoning their socio-economic activities. Three objectives of the study are: the frequency of Fulani herdsmen attacks; the quanta of economic loss and psychological implication of such unwarranted killings. Theoretical framework of the study is combination of helplessness theory by Abramson, Metalsky and Alloy (1989) and frustration-aggression hypotheses by Berkowitz (1989). The study recommended for quick and holistic intervention by government before the crises snowballs into full-scale war.