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Gun Violence in Nigeria: A Focus on Ethno-Religious Conflict in Kano

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Abstract

We investigated small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Africa by reviewing the situation in Nigeria and conducting a small study in one hospital in the country's north. Published reports about SALW in Nigeria suggest that several social, economic, and political factors have caused a marked increase in gun-related violence, including ethno-religious tensions, the response of security forces to criminal activity, and growing economic disparity. In Kano, a northern city that has been the focal point of communal riots between Christians and Muslims, we found that firearm injuries were linked to these riots. We recommend increased outreach to disenfranchised youth, addressing the use of firearms by security forces, and addressing the political and economic disparity between ethnic and religious groups.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Social Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Norrbacka Plan 2, Stockholm, 171 76, Sweden

    Ime A John

Authors
  1. Ime A John
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  2. Aminu Z Mohammed
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  3. Andrew D Pinto
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  4. Celestine A Nkanta
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Correspondence to Ime A John.

Additional information

The Nigerian affiliate of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War sponsored a study of small arms and light weapons in northern Nigeria to learn about the relationship of these weapons to ethno-religious tensions. They found firearm injuries to be linked to riots between Christians and Muslims.

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John, I., Mohammed, A., Pinto, A. et al. Gun Violence in Nigeria: A Focus on Ethno-Religious Conflict in Kano. J Public Health Pol 28, 420–431 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jphp.3200155

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