COUNTING THE COST OF VIOLENCE AND PEACE AMONG YOUTHS IN THE DAMATURU AXIS OF NORTH-EAST NIGERIA

This study attempts to make an exposition on the cost of violence and peace among youth in the Damaturu axis of northeastern Nigeria. The burden of violence in the aftermath of crisis and chaos— largely caused by the over a decade-long insurgency—participates on the shoulders of the youthful population in Damaturu. Contextually, this study aimed to find out how violence has disrupted the original flow of events and in connection to the demands for peace in thematic areas, such as economic growth, educational opportunities, and easily accessible health facilities. The pragmatic worldview serves as the thrust of this study. Both qualitative and quantitative design, with a strong emphasis on narrative research as a form, are subscribed to. Data used include primary sources collected through a closed survey from one hundred and sixty-five (165) individuals, ages 20-29, across the eleven (11) wards in Damaturu. NPS was used for all selections. As the findings show, violence in the concerned axis has taken dear lives and remains life-threatening. On the side of the cost of peace, the offerings of the custodian of peace are frequently challenged by their own framework, and hence, are capitalized upon (for abuse) by the merchants of violence. This study concludes by arguing that concentrated efforts must be in place to empower the youth to be an economic pillar by providing them with periodic peace-for-prosperity training, accompanied by compulsory tertiary education and exposure to enterprising venture.