Ethnic and Religious Conflict in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria: A Dangerous Threat to Human Existence and Business Activities

The thesis of this study is to examine the implications of ethnic and religious conflict on human existence and business activities to residents of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting four hundred (400) participants from five districts in Jos metropolis. Questionnaire was the major instrument for primary data collection. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through the Cronbach method. The obtained data were statistically analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Each hypothesis was tested at 0.05 per cent level of significance. The results obtained from the analysis of data shows that ethnic and religious crisis is a deadly threat to human existence and it significantly affects business activities in Jos metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study concluded that ethnic and religious crisis portends great danger to human existence and a threat to business activities in the country. It was recommended among others that National Orientation Agency (NOA) should be strengthened and empowered to mobilize and create consistent national awareness on the ills of crisis, be it religious, ethnic, or communal crisis. Nigerians should be made to understand that at the end of every crisis, it is the people and the nation that suffers the damages. Finally, government must move from policy of conflict resolution to conflict prevention. Keywords: Insecurity, human existence, business activities, ethnic, religious and conflic

SMALL ARMS PROLIFERATION, ETHNO-COMMUNAL CONFLICT, AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT: OKE-OGUN AREA OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA IN FOCUS

Small arms proliferation and ethno-communal conflict is growing social menace in Nigeria, which has resulted to severe loss of lives (especially, children and women), destruction of properties and unstable socio-economic environment needed for rapid economic development in the country. Against this background, this study examined the relationship between small arms proliferation, ethno-communal conflict and underdevelopment. The study adopted survey research design. The strain theory by Robert K. Merton was adopted as theoretical guide. Data were gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Stratified and purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting one thousand, one hundred and fifty two (1152) respondents from the three local government areas in the study area. The obtained data were statistically analysed using linear regression. The result obtained from the analysis of data indicates that, there is a significant relationship between proliferation of small arms (such as AK-47, double barrel, G-3, AKM) ethno-communal conflict and, underdevelopment. The Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders in conflict management should adopt preventive approach in handling conflict in the country.  Article visualizations

SMALL ARMS PROLIFERATION, ETHNO-COMMUNAL CONFLICT, AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT: OKE-OGUN AREA OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA IN FOCUS

Small arms proliferation and ethno-communal conflict is growing social menace in Nigeria, which has resulted to severe loss of lives (especially, children and women), destruction of properties and unstable socio-economic environment needed for rapid economic development in the country. Against this background, this study examined the relationship between small arms proliferation, ethno-communal conflict and underdevelopment. The study adopted survey research design. The strain theory by Robert K. Merton was adopted as theoretical guide. Data were gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Stratified and purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting one thousand, one hundred and fifty two (1152) respondents from the three local government areas in the study area. The obtained data were statistically analysed using linear regression. The result obtained from the analysis of data indicates that, there is a significant relationship between proliferation of small arms (such as AK-47, double barrel, G-3, AKM) ethno-communal conflict and, underdevelopment. The Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders in conflict management should adopt preventive approach in handling conflict in the country