Are we still Brethren? Arms Proliferation, communal land dispute in Ishinkwo & Abaomege Communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, community security seeks to address the well-being of persons living within a  recognised geographical boundary and the deployment of military might to ensure no breach  of territorial integrity in such legally recognised spaces. Unfortunately, the trafficking of  light arms and weapons has changed the dynamics of land disputes in Nigeria. There is little  evidence about the dynamics of arms proliferation in communal land disputes, and the role  of clan-based community association in conflict lifespan. Hence, this paper explores these  issues through a qualitative research method to understand community security in Ishinkwo  and Abomege communities in Ebonyi state. The findings revealed that the land dispute between the two communities has adversely impacted the communities. Therefore, the need to  embrace civil means in addressing land disputes is critical, yet hinged on the literacy of  disputant communities, Clan based community associations and their diaspora counterparts  must also seek to promote sustainable peace and development of the disputant communities.