Conflict Management Strategies and Sustainable Peace-Building in Addressing Banditry in Benue State, Nigeria

This study examined the effect of conflict management strategies on sustainable peace-building in Benue State, Nigeria. The specific objective of the study was to determine the effect of avoidance, accommodation, and forcing strategies on sustainable peace-building in addressing banditry in Benue State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population consisted of 10,243 community members, from which a sample of 240 respondents was drawn. Data collected were analysed using multiple regression techniques to examine the cause-and-effect relationship between the variables. The findings revealed a strong and significant relationship between conflict management strategies and sustainable peace-building (R = 0.948; R² = 0.899; p < 0.05). However, only forcing strategy had a significant positive effect, while avoidance and accommodation strategies were not statistically significant. The study concludes that although conflict management strategies influence sustainable peace-building, their effectiveness varies. Forcing strategy is effective in the short term but cannot ensure lasting peace on its own. The study recommends strengthening early warning systems and reducing displacement-based responses; promoting inclusive dialogue, mediation, and accountable peace agreements; and sustaining security operations through intelligence-led and rights-based approaches to ensure lasting peace.