Reconciliation and Social Cohesion in Communities Affected by Militancy in Delta State

This study examines reconciliation processes and their contribution to social cohesion in communities affected by militancy in Delta State, South South Nigeria. The Niger Delta region experienced decades of militant activity prior to the Federal Government Amnesty Programme, and post-amnesty communities continue to grapple with fractured social relations, mistrust between ex-militants and other community members, and incomplete peacebuilding processes. Employing a descriptive research design, data were collected from 160 respondents across Warri South-West, Ukwuani, and Isoko South local government areas using structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study is theoretically anchored in the social cohesion framework and Vamik Volkan's concept of chosen trauma and chosen glory in post-conflict identity formation. Findings reveal that while formal reconciliation ceremonies facilitated by traditional rulers have occurred in many communities, they have not been accompanied by sustained psychosocial support, economic reintegration, or truth-telling processes. Social cohesion indicators such as inter-household trust, community participation in governance, and willingness to engage in cooperative economic ventures remain below pre-conflict levels in most studied communities. Recommendations include implementing community-based truth and reconciliation programs in Delta State, coupling ceremonial reconciliation with structured psychosocial interventions, and developing ex-militant economic reintegration programs sensitive to local economies. Keywords: reconciliation, social cohesion, militancy, Delta State, Niger Delta.