SEPARATIST MOVEMENTS AND MILITARY MANAGEMENT OF VIOLENCE: A CASE STUDY ON YORUBA NATION AGITATION

This study investigates the Yoruba Nation agitation in Nigeria, a movement rooted in historical, political, and socio-economic grievances. The research explores why many Yoruba people, especially the youth, seek either greater autonomy or full independence from Nigeria. Drawing from both field data and existing literature, the study reveals that the movement is driven by factors such as political marginalization, economic inequality, insecurity, and dissatisfaction with governance. Over 75% of respondents were aged 16-25, indicating that the call for self-determination is strongest among younger populations. While the Yoruba agitation has remained largely non-violent, instances of conflict, such as arrests, protests, and confrontations with security forces, have occurred, especially in response to state actions. Findings show that most people involved see the movement not only as a political struggle but also as a way to preserve cultural identity and improve governance. Respondents believe that the government's current military approach is ineffective and instead favor solutions like constitutional reforms, dialogue, and inclusion of marginalized groups in governance. The study concludes that separatist movements like the Yoruba agitation cannot be solved through force alone. Instead, a combination of inclusive governance, fair resource distribution, and recognition of ethnic grievances is necessary to restore peace and unity. These insights are useful for policymakers and scholars interested in managing ethnic tensions in multi-ethnic nations like Nigeria. Keywords: Yoruba Nation, separatist movement, marginalization, youth agitation, political restructuring, cultural identity.