IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF NDIEZE AND UMUADA ON SECURITY IN NGWA CLAN IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

In spite of conflict management strategies adopted by Ndieze and Umuada in Ngwa clan to manage conflicts such as land disputes, inheritance and inter-family quarrels in Ngwa clan are still grossly understudied. Even when the variables were examined, they were not linked to security of people in Ngwa clan. The study examined the conflict management strategies of the Ndieze and Umuada in Ngwa Clan and its relevance security in Abia State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the structural-functional theory in order to understand the Ndieze and Umuada as structures of Ngwa clan and how their functions whether manifest or latent affect security in the clan. The population of the study was 1,911,900 comprising of population of Ndieze, Umuada and residents of Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Osisioma Ngwa, Aba North, Aba South, Obingwa and Ugwunagbo , which are Ngwa settlements. The sample size is 400 determined using Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using 5-Point Likert Questionnaire and interview guide. While data from questionnaire were analysed using frequency distribution, mean and percentages, data from interview were analysed using thematic content analysis. Finding from the study showed that there is significant relationship between conflict management strategies of the Ndieze and Umuada and relevance for security in Ngwa clan. It was recommended that due to the significant relationship between conflict management strategies of the Ndieze and Umuada and relevance for security in Ngwa clan, conflict management strategies such as banishment, naming and shaming of individuals that committed offence, payment of fines, ex-communication, among others should be largely used by Ndieze and Umuada in ensuring the protection of lives and properties in Ngwa clan. This is because if the individuals who committed crimes are note named and shamed or punished, the level of disputes in the clan would increase with its attendant adverse impact on security in the clan.