Vol 4 Issue 5 September 2017-October 2017
TOYIN ABE, BELLO, AKEEM OLALEKAN
Abstract: Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, incidences of violent conflicts associated with commercial vehicle drivers have been on a steady increase in Nigeria. The inclination and propensity of commercial vehicle drivers for violence have transformed these essential service providers into a notorious group, which the populace now associate with chaos and violence. In Ekiti State, the conducts of commercial vehicle drivers have become a subject of concern particularly, in Ado Ekiti the state capital. Their penchant for violence have manifested in the incessant destruction of lives and properties, as well as disruptions of the peace and tranquillity of the state, with government and politicians fingered as instigators of most of these violence. With the use of both primary and secondary sources of data, and Ado-Ekiti as the unit of analysis, the study examined the nexus between the State and violent disruptions of commercial vehicle drivers in Ekiti State. A total of 750 structured questionnaires were administered directly to respondents in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, with 734 retrieved. Also, a total of 71 people were interviewed including drivers, traders, security personnel and government officials. Findings of the study revealed that the State/government played a major role in the violence being perpetrated by commercial vehicle drivers in the state. This is done essentially for regime perpetuation and the intimidation of ‘perceived’ political opponents. The study recommended the need for value re-orientation, particularly for commercial drivers, prohibition of the sale of alcohols in motor parks, as well as intelligence gathering for proactive response by security agencies.
Keywords: State, Commercial Drivers, Violence, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Title: The State, Commercial Vehicle Drivers and Violence in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
Author: TOYIN ABE, BELLO, AKEEM OLALEKAN
ISSN 2394-9716
International Journal of Novel Research in Interdisciplinary Studies
Novelty Journals