An Eye for an Eye Vis-í€-Vis the Fulani Herdsmen and Farmers' Vendetta in Nigeria: A Case for Social Reconciliation

Abstract

This paper attempts to realistically denounce violence as a means of resolving differences among persons, groups and societies. This is because the undulating effect of the use of violence to protect and defend inter – personal, inter – group and inter – societal whimpers is often a bazaar of bitter counts of losses. The acrimonious consequences of the persistent and seemingly increasing Fulani herdsmen – farmers feud on communities and economies in Nigeria is the basis for the non – violence campaign in this paper. Consequently, social reconciliation is projected as the most viable option for the restoration and sustenance of peace and cooperation between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria. Social reconciliation, therefore, becomes a potent foundation for the success of policies, resolutions and laws aimed at lasting peace between Fulani herdsmen and farmers. Social reconciliation is also projected in this paper, as the most effective way of resolving conflicts in general since each conflict involves a unique set of actors and circumstances that produce distinct possibilities for the trajectory of future conflict.