Exploring the Relationship among Offenders, Victims and Bystanders of Violence: Analysis of Herdsmen Victimization in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the prevalence of violence orchestrated by herdsmen in Nigeria, with a view to situating the nature of the relationship that exists among the herdsmen, residents and bystanders which triggers further violence. The paper acknowledges that, violence perpetrated by herdsmen has reached an alarming proportion and the government has not marshaled enough political will to address the problem because of the apathy shown towards checkmating the menace. By way of qualitative analysis of secondary sources, the paper posited that violence spearheaded by herdsmen was directly and indirectly encouraged by government and security agents to victimize the vulnerable population by them in actions and body language of government. The paper further observed that violence was exacerbated by the nature of the relationship that exists among the herders, residents and those saddled with constitutional responsibility to protect the residents. The relationship among the herdsmen, victims and bystanders has negative implications on arrest and prosecution of the criminal herdsmen whose activities have jeopardized the futures of many Nigerians. The paper recommended among others that government should hold unto its constitutional responsibility of providing security for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic and religious affiliation and community leaders must ensure that indiscriminate and unregulated accommodation of herdsmen in their communities is checkmated. Government should take decisive action by proscribing Miyetti Allah under whose umbrella herdsmen perform their heinous crimes.