Assessment of Boundary Disputes and their Spatial Dimensions in Selected Communities of Nasarawa State

Boundary disputes between communities, local government areas, and states are a pervasive source of conflict in Nigeria, with significant humanitarian and development consequences. This study assesses the spatial dimensions of boundary disputes in selected communities of Nasarawa State, a North Central state with documented interethnic and inter-LGA boundary conflicts. A mixed-method approach combining GIS boundary overlay analysis, review of historical survey records from the Office of the Surveyor General of Nasarawa State, and key informant interviews with community leaders and local government officials is adopted. Disputed boundaries are digitised and superimposed against existing administrative maps, land registry records, and satellite imagery to identify areas of spatial ambiguity and overlapping jurisdictional claims. Results indicate that seven of the twenty-two contested boundaries examined have no surviving survey beacons or documentation, creating conditions for recurring conflict. Spatial patterns of dispute concentration are associated with fertile agricultural land along the Benue River basin and newly developed mining concession zones. The study advocates for systematic boundary demarcation, the use of GPS-referenced boundary monuments, and community participation in boundary verification processes. Recommendations are made to the Nasarawa State Boundary Commission and the National Boundary Commission for priority re-demarcation intervention in identified hotspot zones. Keywords: boundary disputes, cadastral survey, Nasarawa State, GIS analysis, conflict mapping.