THE PERCEPTION OF PEOPLE ON THE PROLIFERATION OF ILLEGAL SMALL ARMS AND ITS IMPACTS ON ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN KADUNA METROPOLIS, KADUNA STATE
THE PERCEPTION OF PEOPLE ON THE PROLIFERATION OF ILLEGAL SMALL ARMS AND ITS IMPACTS ON ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN KADUNA METROPOLIS, KADUNA STATE
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Date
2011-07
Authors
OGBADOYI, CHARLES THOMAS
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Abstract
In recent times, violent communal and religious conflicts have become regular feature of
social life in Nigeria. These conflicts result from different value systems, aggressive
competition for land, water and political resources, and unhealthy competition of some
leaders. There is hardly a year when there is no major violent conflict. Conflict in this
respect, especially in Northern part of the country varied in scope, intensity and nature, and
has taken immeasurable toll on human lives, leaving many dead, maimed and numerous
others displaced, as a result of the involvement of small arms illegally acquired. To this
end, this study seeks to examine the nature of ethno-religious conflicts in Kaduna
metropolis, find out the sources of illegal small arms and examine its impacts on ethnoreligious
conflicts. In collecting data for this study, two complementary modes of data
collection – survey and in depth interviews were used, and the data generated were
quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The data revealed that, there are frequent ethnoreligious
conflicts in the State. The conflicts are usually between the two major ethnic and
religious groups, and most often these involve the use of illegal small arms. The study also
found out that smuggling from neighbouring States/countries, politicians, local
manufacturers, arms dealers, theft of security forces arms constitute the major sources of
illegal small arms in kaduna metropolis. Of equal importance is the revelation that
prevalence of internal conflicts is responsible for continued proliferation of illegal small
arms in the State. It was also found out that, illegal small arms destroy lives and properties,
cause injuries and maiming, displacement of people and creates general sense of insecurity.
In conclusion, the study recommended the need to take decisive measures to reduce the
spate of ethno-religious conflicts in Kaduna metropolis in particular and Nigeria in general
as a way of arresting the illegal use of small arms.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL, AHMADU BELLO
UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SOCIOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA,
NIGERIA
JULY 2011
Keywords
PERCEPTION,, PEOPLE,, PROLIFERATION,, ILLEGAL,, ETHNO-RELIGIOUS,, CONFLICTS,, KADUNA METROPOLIS,, KADUNA STATE