ROTIMI, OLUWATOSIN GOODNESS and Covenant University, Theses (2021) PROLIFERATION OF ARMS AND HUMAN SECURITY: A STUDY OF GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE (2011-2020). Masters thesis, COVENANT UNIVERSITY.
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Abstract
The deplorable human security situation in Nigeria has reached a crisis stage as ethno-religious conflicts, inter-communal clashes, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, hostage-taking, militancy, herdsmen attacks on vulnerable communities and other vices continue unabatedly to threaten and undermine the lives and properties of many Nigerians. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) through the nations porous borders serves as a catalyst that fuel these clandestine activities. With the application of system theory and failed states theory, the study empirically interrogates the impacts of small arms and light weapons proliferation on the human security situation of the residents of Guma local government area of Benue state Nigeria. A cross- sectional research design was employed as one hundred (100) structured questionnaires were administered to the study’s respondents who were selected through a simple random sampling technique while six (6) traditional chiefs were purposively sampled and interviewed. Data elicited from the respondents was analysed with the use of Descriptive statistics (Frequencies and Percentages) and inferential statistics (Simple Linear Regression and Pearson’s Correlation) through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 21) while the interviews were transcribed, categorized, coded and thematically analysed. The findings revealed that unregulated and illegal use of small arms and light weapons, is highly detrimental to the general well-being of individuals and a society at large. Respondents stated that while they suffer from the down-effects of arms proliferation in their community, the Nigerian government has not done much in addressing the situation. Hence the circle of arms proliferation widens as many of them are forced to use arms to personally protect themselves against threats. The study concluded by stating that a more holistic framework that first investigates the underlying issues that create demand for Small Arms and Light weapons should be addressed. The study recommends amongst others that in order to the address the problem of arms proliferation as well as the issues associated with it, good governance should be reinforced such that the Nigerian government improves social functionality for its citizens who are exasperated by lack of good governance and state failure thus giving rise to violence and the illegal use of arms in achieving their goals.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Arms proliferation, Border porosity, Human security, Light weapons, Small arms. |
| Subjects: | J Political Science > JA Political science (General) J Political Science > JZ International relations |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Mrs Hannah Akinwumi |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Feb 2022 11:04 |
| Last Modified: | 10 Feb 2022 11:04 |
| URI: | http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/15613 |
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