Fulani Mobile Herdsmen and the Risk of Political Violence in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria

Abstract

The article examines the nature, causes, effects and implications of the conflict between
Fulani mobile herdsmen and farmers in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria in the face of
shrinking resources, and escalating levels of violence. It is noted that if unchecked, these
sporadic clashes between groups seeking livelihood security can degenerate into an
identity conflict, given the distinctive ways in which the political and religious identities
of the two groups are constructed. The paper ends with recommendations on possible
ways for resolving the conflict between pastoralists and farmers in the two states of
Nigeria.