International Journal of Management, Social Sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies (IJMSSPCS), Vol.4 No.3 September, 2021; p.g. 241 - 253; ISSN: 2682-6135 AGRO – PASTORALIST CONFLICTS IN BENUE STATE NIGERIA: HAZARDS AND IMPERATIVE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS… 241 AGRO – PASTORALIST CONFLICTS IN BENUE STATE NIGERIA: HAZARDS AND IMPERATIVE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION ETI CHINEDU EKPERECHUKWU Department of Political Science & Public Administration Babcock University, Ogun State etichin@babcock.edu.ng (+2347063271170) & AKPU BARBARA UCHENNA CARLA Department of Political Science & Public Administration Babcock University, Ogun State carlaemmanuelsB@gmail.com (+2347064524259) ABSTRACT In recent times the relationship between agro-farmers and pastoralists have taking a twist from what existed decades ago were the droplets from herds served as manure for crops and were the later provided food for the herds. That twist which is informed by the competition and struggle over ecological scarce resources for survival by the two groups has contravened certain fundamental human rights provisions which needed to be promoted, preserved and protected. Relying on qualitative analytical methodology anchored on eco-violence orientation, the paper observed that the situation has been characterized by killings of farmers and pastoralists, clashes between public and private security forces and local militias resulting in deaths also, destruction of farmlands and farm produce as well as displacement of citizens from their homelands and exposing them to sever lack of basic necessities for survival – adequate shelter, food, water, healthcare, sanitary conditions and human rights abuse – with women and children being the most vulnerable. This paper submits that the conflict situation is inimical to the protection of the inalienable rights of the citizens of Benue State and therefore calls on governments at all levels including community based organization, civil society organizations, the International community and well spirited individuals to initiate and implement appropriate laws, peacebuilding and human rights protection strategies, that will bring about sustainable peace and protection of the remaining lives of the citizens of Benue State and other States in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: Conflict, Resource Conflict, Agro-farmers-Herders, Human Rights, Peace building, Development. Introduction Conflict is inherent in every society and this occurs as a result of differences in opinion, views and sentiments; and has been pivotal to social engineering and development. In fact any society that has not experience conflict situations does not seem to be a normal society. Conflict is not evil or essentially dangerous or an isolated event and also not the fault of one party, but a natural, inevitable, necessary and normal phenomenon (Mavalla, 2016; Mayer, 2000). In explaining the positiveness of conflict, Reychler (2001) contends that it “acts as a