Irregular Migration and Insecurity; Implications for the Development of Rural Communities in Ikwerre L.G.A. of Rivers State
Amadi John C., Enweruzor Angela I., and Nlem Polycarp C.
Department of Geography
Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri
Email: jayceemadis@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Migration as a phenomenon is as old as man. It occurs in response to either the pull or push factors. This movement could be either internal or external. It could be “regular” in which case the migrants meet the
requirements and terms/conditions laid down by both the source (origin) country and the destination point. It could also be “irregular” wherein the migrants adopt means, approaches, and routs which are unacceptable or
termed illegal or unlawful by the destination country. When migration is irregular as it were, the migrants are put at risk. This is evident in the case of attacks on and deaths of irregular migrants along the Sahara Desert
and the Atlantic Ocean. It also endangers and depletes the human resource base of source communities which in most cases are rural communities, therefore posing a threat to the survival and sustainability of the rural
economies. This paper however examines irregular migration and insecurity, its implications for the development of rural communities. It however recommends amongst others that governments should strength
their migration laws to provide for more stringent and tougher punishment for those who aid or take part in irregular migration. There should also be a proper security/ surveillance measures put in place especially within the border territories to monitor and combat this menace of irregular migration and its attendant consequences.
Key words: Irregular Migration, Insecurity, Rural Economies, Human Resources.
