Territoriality And Territorial Conflict In North Central Nigeria: Implication For National Development
Adah, Paul Danladi & Joy Anwuli Jegede
Department of Urban and Regional Planning The Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State.
Email: adahproject@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The research is on the concept of territoriality and Territorial conflict in Nigeria; and its implications for national development. The objective of the study is to examine the concept of territoriality and its impacts on development. A qualitative approach was adopted for the study. The data collected for the study were from secondary sources and were analysed using content analysis. The finding of the study shows that the concept of territoriality has both positive and negative tendencies. That conflict arises when a particular space (land) is contested by an intruder laying claim to land and its resources. Resistance in defence of the claim results in a dispute over territorial space. The study shows that the impact of herdsmen’s activities inflicting injuries and death is higher compared to other perpetrators of violent attacks. In conclusion, no nation can develop in crisis and confusion; therefore, the urban planning approach can be adopted in resolving the claim and counterclaim through territorial planning. The secularity of Nigeria’s state and federal system of government provides avenues for territorial planning. The paper, therefore, recommends territorial planning in resolving the conflict.
Key Words: Conflict, Ethnic, Territorial, Territoriality, Territorial Planning and Nations Development
