“If you kill me, you take the cow”: victimization experiences of farming and herding communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the victimization experiences of farming and herding communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed purposive sampling, extracting data from 27 victims in Lafia and Obi local government areas. Data were collected using in-depth and key informant interviews. In a balance of tales, both farming and herding communities claimed victimhood status. Findings: While farming communities suffered internal displacement resulting from destruction of farmland, forceful takeover of own community, destruction of livelihoods and human fatalities; herding community victimization manifested in destruction of livelihood (killing of cows), cattle rustling and human fatalities. Arising from the findings, the authors suggest proactive policing and victim compensation to reduce the incidence and severity of victimization. Originality/value: The study is unique as it probed into the neglected domain of victimization experiences of farming and herding communities.