The Impact of Escalating Insecurity on Socio-Economic Dynamics in Eha-Amufu Communities, Isi-Uzo Local Government of Enugu State

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of rising insecurity on socioeconomic activities in Eha-Amufu communities, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu state. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, and interviews to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical analysis and thematic coding were used to interpret the findings, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between rising insecurity and socio-economic activities in Eha-Amufu communities. The findings revealed that farmers-herders clashes, land and boundary disputes, and politically motivated killings by politicians are some of the causes of insecurity in the Eha-Amufu communities of Enugu State. The rising insecurity has led to untold hardship, displacement of people, reduction in food production, loss of means of livelihood, and loss of lives and properties. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the Federal Government should quickly mandate the National Boundary Commission and other relevant authorities to visit Eha-Amufu and resolve all the subsisting land issues between Eha-Amufu and the Benue communities, the Federal and State Governments should initiate a mechanism of peaceful settlement of dispute between the herdsmen and the people of Eha-Amufu communities, the government should resettle the displaced persons and deploy more security personnel to the Eha-Amufu rural communities for prompt and adequate security of the people and their properties.