ABSTRACT

Abstract

Conflict occurrences is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria, however, the recent escalation of it between the rearing and farming communities in Kaduna state 2011-2017 have become a major challenge that have not received much attention. The reasons identified by the previous researchers did not reflect on the present escalating conflict situation in the area between the two communities. This therefore prompted the researcher and make it necessary to further investigate why the escalation within the stated period. The study explored the dynamic wave of the conflict through qualitative design method. In-depth face to face interview and focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted with 29 participants in the affected area in the state. Documentaries and various reports were also utilised for triangulation of data using using MAXQDA 2018 software for thematic analysis. Attitudes. Behaviour and contradictions variables of ABC Galtonian triangle model was adopted for interpretation. The findings show that several attitudinal as well as behavioural factors had influenced the existing irreconcilable value contradictions among the two groups leading to the escalation of the resource conflict between: loss of intergroup relation education and superiority complex and cattle rustling emerged centrally in the midst of contradictory value leading to escalation of the conflict.