TITUS Olusegun Stephen (2015). A Study of Violence-Related Deaths in Mopa-Muro & Igalamela-Odolu Local Governement Areas of Kogi State and Toto Local Governement Area of Nasarawa State (2006-2014)

Executive Summary

This paper highlights the outcome of a study on fatal incidents in three local government areas (LGAs) of north-central Nigeria: Mopa-Muro and Igalamela-Odolu in Kogi State, and Toto in Nasarawa State.

Data obtained from 138 questionnaires out of 160 show that between 2006 and 2014, Toto LGA recorded the highest number of fatalities (68) and violent incidents, followed by Igalamela-Odolu LGA (48) and Mopa-Muro (41). For the period under review, the most frequent causes of fatal incidents were cattle grazing, followed by land disputes, crime, political clashes, sorcery, and accidents. Finally, the study demonstrates that just as in the urban centres of Kogi and Nasarawa states, there are many fatal incidents in rural areas; however, these are not reported by the media. Some explanations for this omission are discussed in relation to poor road infrastructure and lack of accessibility.

Tags: Nigeria, Violence, Lethal violence, Invisible violence, Kogi State, Nasarawa State