Community Attributes and Impact of Cult Related Activities across Selected Communities in the Niger Delta

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined the disastrous impact of cult related activities on selected communities in Niger Delta region from 1999-2017. Using a cross-sectional design, the study explored the impact of cult related activities on communities, and the characteristics of vulnerable communities. The population of the study was made up of households of selected communities impacted by cult violence. Sample size was derived using the Taro Yamane equation and copies of the questionnaire were administered for data collection. The result showed that for cult impact on the communities, assassination, displacement and looting were ranked highest, while rape and shut down of health and worship centres were ranked least among the impacts identified. Among the assets impacted, residences, health facilities and farmlands were ranked highest while communication and security facilities were ranked least. The result further revealed that social activities such as hanging out, age grade meetings, social belonging and political power struggle were prevalent in communities mostly impacted by cult attacks while socio-economic characteristics of such places includes high illiteracy, petty trading, crude oil production, farming activities, illegal crude oil bunkering, poverty and high unemployment. In addition, issue such as land dispute, chieftaincy tussle, cultural festivities and town union events were prevalent in these communities. It is recommended that initiation of social investment programs as intervention measure to empower youths and keep them engaged should be considered for these areas Keywords: Cult-related Activities, Cult Violence Impact, Community Attributes, Niger Delta © International Journal of Ground Sediment & Water, ©Sun Jichao. The website is http://ijgsw.comze.com/