ARMS FLOW AND COMMUNAL WARFARE: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS ON JUKUN, KONA AND FULANI CONFLICTS IN NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examines the communal conflict warfare between Jukun-Kona and Fulani in Northern Senatorial District of Taraba State with the aimed to investigate the impact of small and light weapons in the crisis. The paper employed the descriptive survey research design. The paper adopted conflict theory as framework of analysis. The findings of the paper reveal that changing access rights, scarcity of resources, failure of government in land resource governance, and proliferation of small and light weapons have contributed to the escalation of the conflicts over the years. The paper concludes that the conflict is a complex struggle over access to water, grazing area, and land ownership. It is a resource-based conflict that intractable. The paper recommends, regulation of land access rights, community engagements and dialogue, and compensation of victims.