Effects of Social Conflicts on the Sustainable Development of Ebonyi State, A Study of Ezillo-Ezza Ezillo Conflicts (2008-2014)

Abstract

The paper focused on the “Effects of social conflicts on the sustainable development of Ebonyi State, a study of Ezillo-Ezza Ezillo conflicts. The study sought to ascertain how far the conflicts have affected socio-economic development parameters like level of poverty, provision and sustainability of infrastructure and social amenities; unemployment, peaceful co-existence, security of lives and properties among others. Extant literature were reviewed and there is a common understanding that conflict is inevitable in all human societies and that factors that result to conflicts are multi- dimentional. The Ezza- Ezillo conflict has been largely caused by indigene-settler conundrum and the natural tendency to gain material resources by man. This was further buttressed by the social atavistic conflict theory which maintained that there is a natural tendency on the part of creatures to migrate, expand and dominate space, or territory using a means possible – peace or through the use of force. It is therefore, the tendency to expand one’s territory that breeds resistance or clash of occupation. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Both primary and secondary data were utilized. The paper found out that the Ezillo-Ezza- Ezillo conflicts have affected the provision of infrastructure facilities in Ebonyi State, it has led to increase in the level of poverty and youth unemployment etc. The paper therefore recommends for a participatory or people driven approach to conflict resolution and management.

Keywords: Sustainable development, conflicts, poverty, unemployment, social amenities.