Vigilantism and Banditry in Southern Katsina Emirate, Northern Nigeria 1987-2015

Abstract

The focus of this chapter is armed banditry by the Fulani pastoralist and vigilante activities of farmers. The banditry in Pauwa district is shaped by the nature of the environment and the occupational activities of people in the area. The area is approximately 64.78 square miles. The recent rise in the activities of farmer vigilante groups in Southern Katsina emirate was associated to high activities of cattle rustlers and banditry by the Fulani pastoralist. These activities were identified to be the causes of armed violent conflict associated with farmer and herdsmen conflict. Thus, to underscore the nature of conflicts between the pastoralist and farmers in the area, the study has adopted structuration approach in describing the role of structure and individual agents in the conflict.