VIOLENCE: EFFECT ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WITH FOCUS ON EDIKWU COMMUNITIES IN APA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE

Objective: This paper investigated the influence of violence and its effect on community development with focus on Edikwu communities in Apa L G A. The study was guided by two objectives and two corresponding research questions. Method: Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population size of the study was 200 adult population of male and female residents of Edikwu communities randomly selected from the seventeen (17) communities that constitute Edikwu clan. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection.  Results:  The findings of the study revealed among others that challenges such as unemployment, limited economic opportunities, poor road networks, water scarcity, limited health-care facilities and low literacy levels hinder community progress and development.  Novelty: The study recommeded that there is need for social intervention programme to provide opportunities for individuals within the communities especially those who are not gainfully unemployed. This will help provide economic opportunities for them thereby reducing violence and conflict and adequate inputs should be made by both government and individuals such as establishing community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, encouraging inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue, engaging the help of traditional rulers and also empowering women and youths. All these can promote community development and reduce violent activities among individuals in the community.