The ongoing violence in Benue State, Nigeria, involving clashes between Fulani herders and local farming communities has led to tragic loss of lives, displacement, and economic instability. While the immediate effects are humanitarian, the ripple effects extend to all sectors—including technology.
For tech enthusiasts and professionals in Benue, these crises pose significant challenges that hinder growth, innovation, and career development. Here’s how:
1. Disruption of Learning and Skill Development
Many tech enthusiasts rely on physical meetups, hackathons, and coworking spaces to learn and collaborate. Insecurity forces closures of such hubs, limits movement, and discourages gatherings. Online learning becomes difficult due to poor internet access in displaced communities.
2. Brain Drain and Relocation of Tech Talent
As insecurity persists, skilled developers, designers, and entrepreneurs may relocate to safer states or abroad, leading to a talent drain. This weakens the local tech ecosystem, making it harder for startups to thrive.
3. Economic Instability Affects Tech Investments
Investors are hesitant to fund startups in unstable regions. With farming—Benue’s economic backbone—disrupted, disposable income for tech-related purchases (laptops, internet subscriptions, etc.) drops, slowing digital adoption.
4. Reduced Participation in National/Global Tech Events
Many Benue-based techies miss out on conferences (e.g., Techpoint Build, Social Media Week Lagos) due to safety concerns or financial strain from the crisis. This limits networking and career opportunities.
5. Mental Health Toll on Developers and Creatives
Constant violence leads to anxiety, depression, and reduced productivity. Coding requires focus—something hard to maintain amid trauma and displacement.
What Can Be Done?
- Remote Work Advocacy – Encourage companies to hire Benue tech talent remotely.
- Virtual Communities – Strengthen online tech groups for learning and collaboration.
- Government & NGO Interventions – Push for policies that protect innovation hubs and provide grants for displaced techies.
- Mental Health Support – Tech communities should prioritize counseling and peer support.
Final Thoughts
The Benue crisis isn’t just a farmer-herder issue—it’s a threat to Nigeria’s tech future. A secure Benue means a stronger tech ecosystem. Let’s advocate for peace and support affected tech talents.
What are your thoughts? How can the tech community help? Drop a comment below.
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