ETHNIC PROFILING AND VIOLENCE

Ethnic profiling in policing has been defined as “the use by the police, with no objective and reasonable justification, of grounds such as race, color, languages, religion, nationality or national or ethnic origin in control, surveillance or investigation activities”.

​Ethnic violence, on the other hand, is a form of political violence expressly motivated by ethnic hatred and ethnic conflict. Forms of ethnic violence that can be argued to have the character of terrorism may be known as ethnic terrorism or ethnically-motivated terrorism.

​Ethnic profiling and violence are common phenomena in today’s world. According to Samuel Olomo in his article, “InNigeria, terrorism which is the rare part of social violence is a growth industry. Only a few contemporary lives remain untouched by its diffused effects. National elections have been influenced by terrorism and other social violence, most notablein Nigeria and some other African states, even the world powerful nations like USA, Spain, and Australia are not left out.” 

​Suggesting a solution to the violence and profiling in Nigeria, he posits that Conferences, rallies, and workshops should be staged by the government to educate the masses on the differences between ethnicity and violence. Insecurity is by no doubt an upsurge in the country now and this should accentuate the Buhari administration to think and rethink its internal security strategies.

We all as citizens and genuine lovers of peace should speak up to defend the common good of us all. We should detest fromethnic profiling, crimes, and evil and should play our parts to save the country from the verge of anarchy.

 

Name: Tommy Nteowo

State code: OS/22A/0971

Course of study: English

Institution: University of Uyo

State of Origin: Akwa Ibom State