URBANIZATION AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE SINCE 1996

Abstract

This study examines the intricate relationship between rapid urbanization and evolving security challenges in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, since its emergence as the state capital in 1996. Lafia has experienced significant population growth and spatial expansion, driven by rural-urban migration and state creation. This paper analyzes how this growth has intersected with pre-existing and emerging security threats, including communal conflicts, herder-farmer clashes, and urban crime. The study draws its rich sources from both primary and secondary materials which were used qualitatively. Findings suggest that unplanned urbanization has exacerbated these challenges by straining resources, altering land-use patterns, and creating socio-economic vulnerabilities. The study further explores the implications of these dynamics on sustainable development and human security, highlighting the urgent need for integrated urban planning, effective security governance, and community-based solutions to mitigate the adverse consequences of rapid urbanization in Lafia.