THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL CHIEFTAINSHIP IN PEACE BUILDING AND CURBING FARMERS/HERDSMEN CONFLICT IN THE NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

In-spite of the traditional avenue for reconciliatory mediation that truly assuages rancor, it is ironical to note the depth of damages that take place during Farmer/Herdsmen conflict such as that of Zango/Kataf, Mango/Bokkos, Tiv/Jukun, Aguleri/Umulera and even Ife/Modakeke. This paper therefore interrogates the decline of the traditional chieftaincy institution unlike that of modern courts in the provision of social order and conflict resolution. It takes a look at the recent violence re-enacted among the farmers/herdsmen in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State. The survey research method was adopted with sample size of 400 respondents. The 400 respondents were administered questionnaire through the accidental and purposive sampling technique across the 38 wards in the Senatorial District. In addition, an in-depth interview was conducted on 100 residents of the area. The findings show a deep leaning towards ethnic national divide that can only be controlled through formal responsibility of our chieftainship, and accountability of same.