Exploratory study of Indigenous Security Approaches in the Cultural Landscape of Yakurr People in Southern Nigeria.

Abstract

The Yakurr people are an ethnic group in Southern Nigeria, with unexplored rich cultural heritage that includes unique approaches to security. These indigenous security approaches are deeply rooted in their traditional practices and social structures as evident in their cultural landscape. Oral tradition, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and non-participant observations were used to nplore the cultural landscape interactions of the locals. The study involved purposively selected village chiefs, village councils, age grades, paternal and maternal families, and knowledgeable men and women across the thirteen (13) Yakurr communities in Cross River State, Southern Nigeria. This method was favoured as it permitted the content analysis of varied experiences and drives related to the aboriginal security and safety strategies embedded in the cultural landscape interactions of the Yakurr People. The outcome is a blend of tangible and intangible cultural landscape elements that congeal to form layers of indigenous security strategies for the locals. The Yakurr people have a fascinating approach to security that is deeply intertwined with their cultural practices and social structures that can be case-studied and adopted in rural communities plagued with insecurity. Keywords: cultural landscape, Indigenous Security, shrines and deities, Yakurr People.