Main Article Content
Challenges of Managing Ethnic and Religious Conflicts in Nigeria
Abstract
Ethnic and religious conflicts are assuming an alarming dimension that their
management has become eminent in a peaceful and democratic Nigeria. The
transfer of power from the military to civilian in 1999 witnessed a rising spate
of ethnic, religious and communal conflicts with devastating consequences on
lives and property. The study relied on conflict theory of Karl Marx to explain
ethnic and religious conflicts in Nigeria, and the challenges of peace building
in a multi-ethnic society. Qualitative research method was used to collect data
through focus group discussion and indepth interviews.It was discovered that
ethnic and religious conflict occur at both intra ethnic/religious and inter
ethnic/religious level. The victims include both private and public properties
and loss of lives. The consequences of ethnic and religious conflicts in Nigeria
are so many on both the victims and the image of the country abroad. It was
recommended that for ethnic conflicts to be managed, there must be justice
and equity in the Nigerian political system. The people must be the centre and main purpose for government irrespective of their ethnic or religious affiliations.
management has become eminent in a peaceful and democratic Nigeria. The
transfer of power from the military to civilian in 1999 witnessed a rising spate
of ethnic, religious and communal conflicts with devastating consequences on
lives and property. The study relied on conflict theory of Karl Marx to explain
ethnic and religious conflicts in Nigeria, and the challenges of peace building
in a multi-ethnic society. Qualitative research method was used to collect data
through focus group discussion and indepth interviews.It was discovered that
ethnic and religious conflict occur at both intra ethnic/religious and inter
ethnic/religious level. The victims include both private and public properties
and loss of lives. The consequences of ethnic and religious conflicts in Nigeria
are so many on both the victims and the image of the country abroad. It was
recommended that for ethnic conflicts to be managed, there must be justice
and equity in the Nigerian political system. The people must be the centre and main purpose for government irrespective of their ethnic or religious affiliations.
