AN ANALYSIS AND EFFECT OF INSURGENCY (A CASE STUDY OF BORNO STATE IN NIGERIA)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the study

Insurgencies has been as old as civilization but became most prominent after the September 11 2001 bombings of the United States by Al-Qaeda. The bombings were carried out on world trade centre which has adverse effects on the business activities of America and globally (Rogan 2007).

Other insurgent’s activities were carried out by other groups such Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb of Algeria and Al-Shabaab of Somalia which also affects the business as well the economy of those countries.

Boko Haram started as a small radical Sunni Islamic organization with preaching and a limited support from among the Sufi Islamic communities in the Northeastern part of Nigeria, the anti-western ideology of the Boko Haram terrorist group, earn it the concern about its potential relationship with other groups such as Sunni extremist or terrorist groups elsewhere, including al-Qaeda as well as al-Qaeda affiliates such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in Algeria and Mali and Al-Shabaab in Somalia. These groups bomb shopping malls; airports and business areas, thereby making business environment to collapse (Reuters, 2013).

Like an array of contemporary terrorist groups throughout history, Boko Haram started domestically, but over time, its operational capabilities and impact have grown, spreading like cancer from Borno state to neighboring states such as Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano and even to Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria and beyond.

It Attacks Military formations such as army barracks, police stations, immigration offices, schools and prisons, and more seriously, killing and injuring of both Christians, Muslims, women and children and most recently abduction and killing of school children. Markets and motors parks were constantly attacked and banks frequently robbed thereby forestalling business activities in the affected areas (This Day Newspaper, 2012).

1.2      Statement of the problem

Borno State is the only State in Nigeria that is bordered by three countries. These include Cameroon, Niger and Chad Republic. There is a healthy trade relationship between the State and her international neighbors. Tones of grains, livestock and other consumables flow between Borno and her bordering trading partners. Despite this advantage, the State depends on monthly allocation from the Federal Government to keep it running. The scenario is further compounded by insurgency and this has hampered on the socio-economic development of the organization of Borno State and her immediate neighbors.

The effect of the insurgency has been far reaching and has affected a whole of things including the socio economic development of Borno state and the North eastern part of the country at large.

The root cause of the insurgency is yet to be unraveled as a lot has been said about the various causes of insurgency. Discovering the root cause of insurgency would solve the problem half way.

1.3   Significance of the study

This study would be useful to government and stakeholders in solving the persistent problem of insurgency that has crippled the north eastern economy.

1.4   Objectives of the study

1. To know if insurgency have significant socio-economic effect on Bornu state.

2. To examine the root causes of insurgency in Borno state.

3. To analyze the effect of insurgency in the socio economic development of Borno.

1.5   Research questions

1. Does insurgency have significant socio-economic effect in Bornu state?

2.  What are the root causes of insurgency in Borno state?

3. What is the effect of insurgency in the socio economic development of Bornostate?

1.6   Research hypotheses

Ho: Insurgency has no significant socio-economic effect in Bornu state.

Hi: Insurgency has significant socio-economic effect in Bornu state.

1.7   Limitations of the study

The study was limited by inadequate access to the people Borno state due to fear and treats that has been imposed on them and for that, strangers are kept on arm’s length. Other limitations include;

1.  Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

2.  Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8   Scope of the study

The study focuses on the analysis of insurgency and how its effect on the people ofBorno state.

1.9   Definition of terms

Insurgency: Is a rebellion against authority when those taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as belligerents.

Borno State:Is a state in north-eastern Nigeria. Its capital is Maiduguri. The state was formed in 1976 from the split of the North-Eastern State. Until 1991 it contained what is now Yobe State.

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