ISSN 2360-7998
Abstract
Every society worldwide faces various security challenges. Nigeria and Taraba State in particular are not exceptions. Bad leadership and injustice have bred several forms of insecurity in the country, such as banditry, kidnapping, terrorism/insecurity and ethnic violence, amongst others. These forms of insecurity have given birth to ethnic armies, otherwise known as ethnic militias, as a safety net to cover up for government inadequacies. It is in this light that the Kirten militia emerged among the Kuteb in Southern Taraba State amidst growing insecurity in the region. Thus, this study investigated the Kirten militia against the objectives of identifying the basis of the various ethnic rivalries, examining the existing boundaries between Kirten and official security operatives, and assessing the impact of Kirten activities among the Kuteb. The historical methodology was employed for the study, which mirrored the analysis from time perspectives. The findings show that inadequacies of government have resulted in struggles over resources, political leadership, chieftaincy titles, and land among other things by ethnic groups in Takun, mainly Kuteb, Chamba, Jukun, and Fulani. The Kirten, which emerged among the Kuteb to protect its interest, has often clashed with official security operatives due to a lack of a clear-cut operational boundary. Hence, the study recommends reviewing the recruitment process for leadership to ensure good leadership and justice delivery. Given the vulnerable security situation, ethnic militia need to be recognised, reorganised and operational boundaries established. The study has indeed extended scholarship on security systems in Nigeria, particularly ethnic militias as part of the security architecture.
Keywords: Taraba, Takum, Ethnic Militia, Security, Ethnic clashes,