EFFORTS TO CONTAIN POLITICAL THUGGERY IN ANYIGBA COMMUNITY: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

This study investigated the persistence of political thuggery in Anyigba, Kogi State, with a focus on identifying its root causes, assessing the effectiveness of current interventions, examining the challenges in their implementation, and proposing sustainable strategies for mitigation. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 390 respondents through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that high youth unemployment, poverty, low political awareness, and manipulation by political elites are the leading drivers of political thuggery in the community. Weak law enforcement, poor governance, and the influence of ethnic and political sentiments were also identified as significant contributing factors. While existing government and community-based interventions, such as electoral laws, security deployments, and sensitization campaigns, have recorded partial success, their impact has been undermined by systemic corruption, lack of political will, inadequate funding, and poor stakeholder coordination. Sustainable solutions suggested by respondents include youth economic empowerment, vocational training, strict enforcement of electoral laws, enhanced civic education, and the active participation of traditional and community leaders in conflict resolution. The study concludes that a multi dimensional approach, integrating economic, legal, social, and political reforms, is essential to eradicate political thuggery and foster peaceful political engagement in Anyigba.