eBook: PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS AS AMPLIFIERS OF VIOLENT CONFLICTS IN KADUNA STATE – SHUL-NOM YOHANNA BAKO

The Proliferation of arms in the society is a clear indication of government’s weakness and stubbornness of the evil merchants of Small Arms and Light Weapons who also double as conflict entrepreneurs. Identities do not cause crisis but growing competition over scarce resources and political representation triggers violence along ethnic, political and religious cleavages. When sound judgment and sincerity on issues disappear, mediocrity and strife sets it and overshadows sense of cogent reasoning. The tragic history of crises in Kaduna State is unfortunate because it gives the state bad image and scare investors away. This paper looks into brief history of Kaduna State, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), effects of proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, some incidences of violent conflicts in Kaduna State (from pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial era). The paper recommends ways to achieve lasting peace in Kaduna State which can also be applicable to other states with similar tragedy. The survival of the fittest and jungle justice approach should not be given oxygen to survive in the 21st Century.

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