Inter-State Environment Crisis In Nigeria: Focus On Amegu-Ikwo Ebonyi And Adadama Cross River Conflict

Abstract

Africa as a continent is consistently suffering under the burden of multidimensional conflicts. These conflicts range from terrorism to resource wars, ethnic violence etc. Inter-communal conflict is one of the forms in which conflict has manifested in different parts of Africa. This study, which was developed using qualitative method focused on the Amegu-Ikwo and Adadama land conflict in Nigeria. Amegu-Ikwo and Adadama are border communities within Ebonyi State and Cross River State respectively. The researcher used Homer Dixon’s theory of environmental conflict to trace the origin of the conflict to 1927 and its development. The study revealed how the conflict has become a recurrent crisis since 2011 to present. The multi- dimensional negative impact of the conflict and the roadmap to peace were also documented. Finally, the work called for a strong peace building alliance between the power elite, government and the masses in the conflict-ridden communities to ensure sustainable peace.