This study investigated the effect of communal conflict on socioeconomic development process in Nigeria: evidence from Shitile and Ukum communities in Sankara Benue State. The study adopted the survey research design to generate primary data using questionnaire. A sample size of 308 respondents comprising of people in IDP camps in Shitile, Ukum and Makurdi local government areas. Descriptive statistics and percentages were used to analyze the data at 0.05 level of significance. The test of hypotheses were done using multiple regression analysis and the result showed that land dispute, political thuggery and Fulani invasion have negative significant effect on socioeconomic development with Fulani invasion having the highest effect while chieftaincy affaire has significant positive effect on socioeconomic development. The study concluded that communal conflict has significant negative effect on socioeconomic development in Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was recommendation is that Shitile and Ukum communities should strive to live peacefully and avoid land disputes of any type. They should tolerate one another and avoid conflicts so as to reduce burning down of school buildings and interruption of farming and economic activities. Considering the nature of political thuggery among Shitile and Ukum communities, there should be government intervention to ensure politicians desist from using thugs to intimidate their political counterparts. This will reduce the rate of killings and kidnapping thus creating ample opportunity for farmers to carry out their farm work as well as encourage vibrant economic activities. Government should also provide enough security to these affected areas in order to checkmate Fulani invasion and protect peoples lives and properties.

Development

socioeconomic characteristics

Economic Reporting.