Fundamentalism, Boko Haram Movement and Socio-Economic Development in North-Eastern Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

There are divergent perspectives on the effect of the activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria. This study examined fundamentalism and socio-economic development in the North-Eastern zone of Nigeria with particular reference to the Boko Haram movement. Social Movement Theory was employed as theoretical framework for explaining the implication of Boko Haram insurgency for socioeconomic development of Northeast Nigeria. Secondary data were collected to elicit information for analysis. Boko Haram as a sect had resorted to the use of violence. This study shows that the rise in radical movements is mainly explainable by poor socio-economic infrastructures, poor governance and poverty that catalyse rapid increase in the membership of the group.