Communal Conflicts in Kwara State: Triggers, Escalation Patterns and Community Responses in Kwara Contiguous Communities

Abstract

This paper examined the causes and implications of communal conflicts in four selected communities
in Kwara State. This study is anchored on actor-based theory. The study was designed using a
sequential explanatory strategy that commences with collecting and analysing the quantitative data.
Next, qualitative methods were employed to clarify and elaborate on the initial quantitative findings.
The study focused on the feuding communities of Share-Sharagi and Offa-Erin-Ile communities in
Kwara State, Nigeria. 10 key stakeholders were selected from each of the four communities for the
qualitative part of the study (In-depth Interviews); while 250 adults were selected from Offa community,
150 adults from Erin-ile, and 100 adults from Shaare and Tsaragi each, for the quantitative part of this
study. The findings of the study revealed that land question (unresolved landlordship and tenancy issues
culminating in land disputes) is the primary cause of the inter-communal feuds in the affected
communities. The land question is aggravated by and/or resulting to unequal development, upgrading
of a traditional ruler in one community at the expense of the other and non-implementation of most of
the recommendations that would/ have brought sustainable peace by the government/politicians. Based
on the conclusion, the study suggested that the landlordship and tenancy discourse should be
deconstructed, and a new discourse that would focus on bringing sustainable peace and development
in the affected communities should be constructed and reconstructed.