Government Intervention in Communal Conflict Management in Edo State, Nigeria: Reported Strategies, Perceived Effectiveness and Institutional Constraints

Background: Communal conflict continues to challenge public authority and social cohesion in Nigeria. Government responses may contain immediate violence, yet durable peace also depends on how disputed claims are managed, institutions coordinate and affected communities participate. Objective: This study examines respondents’ reports of conflict triggers, government intervention strategies, perceived effectiveness and implementation constraints in five conflict-affected local government areas (LGAs) in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A structured questionnaire was administered to 150 respondents drawn through stratified random sampling from Ministry of Interior officials, community leaders and residents in conflict-prone areas. The reported analysis uses frequencies and percentages, including responses to five-point Likert items. Findings: Land and boundary disputes were the most frequently reported conflict trigger (62%), while deployment of security personnel was the most visible intervention (57%). Forty-eight per cent agreed or strongly agreed that interventions reduced recurrence; 36% were neutral. Fifty-nine per cent reported that conflict recurred within 12–24 months following intervention. Inadequate funding (68%), overlapping authority with state agencies (55%) and limited perceived community involvement were prominent concerns. Conclusion and implications: The results indicate a perceived gap between visible crisis response and sustained, participatory conflict management. Since the study is descriptive and based on respondents’ accounts, the findings should be interpreted as perceptions rather than causal estimates or independently verified conflict rates. Recommendations focus on coordination, fair dispute settlement, community-linked early warning, operational resourcing and post-conflict follow-up.