INDIGENOUS CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND RURAL COMMUNITY PROTECTION IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64415/jgpmc.v3i1.82Keywords:
indigenous conflict management, rural community protection, public shaming, strategies, traditional elders’ councilAbstract
Persistent rural insecurity in South-South Nigeria has continued to undermine community safety despite the expansion of formal policing and state-led security interventions. Incidences of communal violence, land disputes, theft, cult-related activities, and other localized conflicts have exposed the limitations of conventional security approaches, thereby reviving interest in indigenous conflict management mechanisms. This study examined the effectiveness of traditional elders' councils and public shaming as indigenous strategies for protecting rural communities in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated how these traditional institutions contribute to conflict prevention, dispute resolution, social control, and community protection. A correlational research design was adopted, and a sample size of 1,322 respondents was selected across six (6) Local Government Areas of Cross River and Akwa-Ibom, Rivers States. The instruments for data collection were the questionnaire. Quantitative data retrieved was analysed using simple linear regression. The findings indicate that traditional elders’ councils were found to play a crucial role in conflict resolution and mediation, thereby preventing escalation of disputes. Public shaming was identified as a strong deterrent against antisocial behaviour, However, modernization, urbanization, declining respect for traditional authority, and inadequate integration with formal justice institutions have constrained their effectiveness. The study contributes to the growing literature on indigenous peacebuilding by demonstrating the continuing relevance of traditional governance structures in rural security management. It recommends strengthening collaboration between customary institutions and formal security agencies to enhance sustainable conflict resolution and improve rural community protection in South-South Nigeria.
Keywords: indigenous conflict management, rural community protection, public shaming, strategies, traditional elders’ council
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