CONFLICTS, DEVELOPMENT, AND PEACE IN THE NIGER-DELTA: A CASE STUDY OF EKET AND IBENO IN AKWA IBOM STATE

This study investigates the influence of socioeconomic factors on conflicts and peacebuilding in oil-rich communities of the Niger-Delta, focusing on Eket and Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It specifically examines how access to employment, scholarships, and basic infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, pipe-borne water, roads, and electricity, has exacerbated tensions between the two communities. The research also explores challenges faced by stakeholders in managing the conflict. Adopting a mixed methods approach, the study utilised simple random and purposive sampling techniques to select 374 quantitative and 14 qualitative participants, who responded to questionnaires and key informant interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings reveal that unresolved socioeconomic disparities significantly contribute to protracted hostilities, while ineffective implementation of judicial and administrative decisions hinders resolution efforts. The study concludes that sustainable peace requires committed governmental action to redress inequalities and the application of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.