The Politics Of Sara Suka And Youth Involvement Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Most of the politicians in Nigeria have been seen to depend heavily on political violence in a form of thuggery (Sara Suka) for winning elections in the attainment and maintenance of their position. This study tends to examine the factors that influenced youth participation in thuggery (Sara Suka) activities in Bauchi State. To achieve these, the study used a qualitative method based on a case study approach. Data were collected primarily from interview and observation while secondary sources were used to validate the information obtained from the primary sources. The interviews were obtained exclusively from the Sara Suka members, academic expert, NGOs, community heads and vigilante groups in the state. The study reveals that politicians, illiteracy, unemployment, poverty, parent role, passion, drugs and financial attractiveness are accounted for the increase rate of youth involved in Sara Suka activities. Therefore, based on these findings, the study recommends that government should pass a law that will sanction any politician who recruited youth to serve as thugs, as well making them to sign undertakings that would avoid them from taking the advantage of unemployed youth in the process of achieving their personal gain in the campaign or election. If any found should be punished according to the law provided.