ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNAL CONFLICTS IN BENUE STATE

This study examines the relationship between economic hardship and youth involvement in communal conflicts in Benue State, Nigeria. Frustration-Aggression Theory serves as the theoretical framework, suggesting that economic deprivation and unmet expectations create frustration, which may manifest as aggression, particularly among youth. This theory is predicated upon how economic hardships push young individuals into violent conflicts when they are unable to fulfil basic needs or achieve their goals through conventional means, such as employment or education. The study employs a qualitative method. Secondary data from policy documents, media reports, and academic literature were analyzed. Firstly, the findings revealed that high levels of unemployment and poverty among youth in Benue State contribute significantly to their involvement in communal conflicts, as they perceive violence as a viable means to gain material rewards or assert identity. Secondly, there is a strong correlation between the lack of inclusive governance and the intensification of ethnic tensions, with marginalized groups, particularly the Idoma and Igede, feeling excluded from political processes, further fueling conflicts. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions in youth employment, governance, and conflict resolution to break the cycle of violence in Benue State. This study calls for targeted policies that address both the socio-economic drivers and governance failures contributing to youth involvement in communal conflicts.