Political thuggery and security in Benue State: Counselling intervention

Abstract

Political instability and insecurity have been the bane of the Nigerian  society in recent times Benue State, which is one of the 36 states of the federation, has experienced unprecedented insecurity and political hazard since the beginning of the 21st century. The state has witnessed several ugly situations such as arson, loss of lives and property, armed robbery and intimidation of innocent citizens. This paper has attributed the insecurity situation in the state to the recent upsurge of political thuggery. Virtually every political office holder or aspirant has a chain of political  thugs who are being used for political advantage. The paper has outlined the major causes and effects of political thuggery on the security and  safety of Benue State. Since Government has seemingly become  incapacitated in her bid to address the political situation in the state, this paper has recommended several counselling interventions which include political education, massive and intensive sensitization and youth  empowerment programmes. It is hoped that when these are put into  consideration the incessant cases of political thuggery will be drastically reduced and Benue State will experience socio-political security.

Keywords: Thuggery, security, instability, politics