SOCIO ECONOMIC DETERMINANT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE AMONG NIGERIA YOUTH

This study investigates the socio-economic determinants that contribute to political violence among Nigerian youth. The descriptive survey research design was used in the study. A sample of 100 youths was purposive drawn using purposive sampling technique. The data collected for the study were subjective to descriptive statistics. Three research questions were generated and one hypotheses was formulated for the study. The hypothesis one indicated that, there is no relationship between socio economic determinant and political violence among Nigeria youth. The results from the findings revealed that high levels of unemployment and poverty significantly increase the likelihood of youth being recruited by political elites for violent activities. Furthermore, the absence of inclusive political participation and weak state institutions foster a sense of disenfranchisement among young people, making them more susceptible to manipulation and radicalization. The study concludes that addressing the root socio-economic causes of youth political violence is critical to achieving sustainable peace and democratic stability in Nigeria. It is recommended based on the study that the implementation of targeted youth empowerment programs, civic education, and stronger legal frameworks to deter political exploitation.