Religious Conflict In Nigeria And Its Ethno-Religious Implications

This study was carried out to examine religious conflict in Nigeria and its ethno-religious implications. The study specifically was aimed to ascertain the prevalence of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria, ascertain the causes of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria, and investigate the implications of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprised of residents of Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State. In determining the sample size, the researcher purposefully selected 147 respondents and 141 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables, and mean scores. The hypotheses was tested using Chi-square Statistical tool. The result of the findings reveals that the prevalence of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria is high. The study also revealed that the implications of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria includes: internal displacement, loss of human live, destruction of personal and business properties, lack of national unity, and increases level of internal insecurity. Therefore, it is recommended that Government should move from conflict resolution to the stage of conflict prevention; provision of adequate and effective security in each state that will respond promptly to any ethno-religious insurgence; establishment of functional and effective platform for ethno-religious leaders where grievances can be discussed before they escalate into ethno-religious crises; involvement of the civil society - especially the traditional leaders who will intervene in some critical areas of ethno-religious conflict; strengthening of some conflict resolution institutions through appropriate legislations. To mention but few.

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Conflict is inevitable in human interaction, arising from disagreement, controversy or quarrel between two or more people or groups of people. When such a disagreement, controversy or quarrel is not resolved or managed, it escalates to a disordered state where hostility and violent actions manifest. Mustapha (2004) opined that Conflict is a condition of disharmony or hostility in relations. Whenever two individuals opine in different ways, a conflict arises. Olaoba (2005) defines conflict as opposition among social entities directed against one another, it distinguished competition and defined it as opposition among social entities independently striving for something of which the resources are inadequate to satisfy all. In a layman"s language, conflict is a disagreement either between two individuals or among group members. No two individuals can think alike and there is definitely a difference in their thinking process as well as their understanding.
Ethno-religious conflict on the other hand is a form of conflict produced on the basis of real or imagined distinction rooted in ethnic and religious identities, lines and lens. Ethnoreligious conflicts refer to those involving groups where religion is an integral part of social and cultural life, and religious institutions are representative, possess moral legitimacy, and mobilization potential. Where conflicting groups define themselves along ethno-religious lines and lens, religious identity can create sharp distinctions between parties, and increase group mobilization.

With over four hundred (400) ethnic groups, belonging to several religious sects, Nigeria since independence has remained a multi-ethnic nation state, which has been grappling and trying to cope with the problem of ethnicity on the one hand, and the problem of ethno-religious conflicts on the other. This is because over the years the phenomena of ethnicity and religious intolerance have led to incessant recurrence of ethno-religious conflicts, which have given birth to many ethnic militias like the O" dua People Congress (OPC); the Bakassi Boys; the Egbesu Boys; the Ijaw Youth. Congress (IYC); and the Igbo People Congress (IPC). Others include the Arewa Poeples Congress (APC) the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB); and the Ohanaeze N"digbo (Dumoye 2003). With the emergence of these ethnic militias and the deep divides between the various ethnic groups, religious intolerance has become more violent and bloody with more devastating results using the ethnic militias as the executors of ethno-religious agenda.

While it is true that it is not possible to know the exact number of. ethno-religious conflicts due to lack of adequate statistical data on this issue, it is interesting to note that about fourty percent (40%) of ethno-religion based conflicts are credited to the fourth Republic of Nigeria. The fact that there is a recent increase in the number of ethno-religious conflicts in the country makes it a relevant issue of discussion in the contemporary Nigeria and lesson for other nation in the world that are multi-ethnic and multi-religious in their composition (Osaghae, 1986).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The intense ethno-religious polarization and conflict in Nigeria has increased in recent years due to the politicization of religion and ethnic values. This has led to a rise in ferocity and scope of destruction of lives and property, and tension between different ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria. Some effects of these conflicts are the increase in arms proliferation by various groups, armed banditry and kidnapping. The scale and prevalence of these conflicts in Nigeria remains a matter of concern and requires urgent attention from all stakeholders. As a result of these conflicts, social, economic and political progress in Nigeria has suffered, threatening National security. (Richard Shinjinee 1996).

There have been several measures put in place by successive governments at the State and national level to prevent or resolve ethno-religious crises in Nigeria. These measures range from the creation of additional states and local governments to the principles of federal character, quota system, equity representation in the national and state assemblies, among others. However, these measures have not adequately addressed the problems as the rate and intensity of ethno-religious crisis still persist. The effects and implications of ethno-religious conflicts constitute a threat to Nigeria"s national security. It is against this background that this research seeks to examine religious conflict in Nigeria and its ethno-religious implications, with a view to proffering plausible solutions towards resolving or preventing their future occurrence.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The study"s main goal is to examine religious conflict in Nigeria and its ethno-religious implications. The study specifically attempted to:

1. Ascertain the prevalence of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria.
2. Ascertain the causes of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria
3. Investigate the implications of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions:

1. What is the prevalence of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria?
2. What are the causes of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria?
3. What are the implications of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: The prevalence of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria is low.

Ha: The prevalence of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria is high.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will contribute to the various writings for instance, journals and textbook that have been highlighting on the dangers of ethno-religious conflicts and how to handle it. It will help policy makers in the country and the world over to know the root causes of ethno-religious conflicts, so as to explore strategies by which the negative effects of the conflicts could be mitigated in the future. Thus making lasting policies that will obliterate ethno-religious chauvinism and its consequent effect on national stability and development.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on religious conflict in Nigeria and its ethno-religious implications.

This study will be carried out in Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Hence the study will cover only people residing in rural areas who continuously experience ethno-religious conflicts in Birnin.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The researcher encountered minor obstacles when conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. The significant constraint was the scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse, so the researcher incurred more financial expenses and spent more time sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. Furthermore, the researcher did this investigation alongside other academic activities. Furthermore, the sample size was limited because only a few respondents were chosen to answer the research instrument, therefore the results cannot be generalized to other states. Despite the constraints encountered during the research, all elements were minimized in order to provide the best results and make the research effective.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Ethnicity:

The concept of ethnicity refers to a social identity formation that rests upon culturally specific practices and a unique set of symbols and cosmology". Lanre Olu Adeyemi (2006).

Religion:

The term Religion is such a complex one that agreeing with one meaning is quite difficult. Scholars like B. Taylor (2005)" define religion "as a belief in spiritual beings". Frazer" on his part defines it thus "religion is the propitiation or conciliation of powers superior to man, which are believed to direct and control the cause of nature and human life". Marx on his part saw religion as the "opium of the masses".

Conflicts:

Conflicts is a perception or experience of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty that exceeds the person"s current resources and coping mechanisms." (James and Gilliland, 2001)

Ethno-Religious:

Is a dual word coined from Ethnicity (ethnic) and Religion; it simply denotes "of or pertaining to ethnicity and religion". It will therefore be better understood if the root words (Ethnicity and Religion) are defined.

Ethno-Religious Conflicts:

Ethno-religious conflict is a multi- causal variable Salawu (2010). By ethno-religious conflicts, it means a situation in which the relationship between members of one ethnic or religious group and another such group in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society is characterized by lack of cordiality, mutual, suspicion, and fear and a tendency towards violent confrontation (B. Salawu, 2010)

1.10 Organization of the Study

The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study, sample size determination, sample size, and selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter (chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations:

5.1 Introduction

This chapter summarizes the findings on religious conflict in Nigeria and its ethno-religious implications. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.

5.2 Summary of the Study

In this study, our focus was to examine religious conflict in Nigeria and its ethno-religious implications. The study specifically was aimed to ascertain the prevalence of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria, ascertain the causes of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria, and investigate the implications of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria.

The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 141 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents are residents of Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State.

5.3 Conclusions

Based on the findings of this study, the researcher made the following conclusion.

1. The prevalence of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria is high.
2. The causes of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria includes: historical legacy of mistrust, accusations and allegations of neglect, perceived oppression, perceived victimization, perceived discrimination, and perceived marginalization.
3. The implications of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria includes: internal displacement, loss of human live, destruction of personal and business properties, lack of national unity, and increases level of internal insecurity.

5.4 Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proffered.

1. Government should move from conflict resolution to the stage of conflict prevention; provision of adequate and effective security in each state that will respond promptly to any ethno-religious insurgence; establishment of functional and effective platform for ethno-religious leaders where grievances can be discussed before they escalate into ethno-religious crises; involvement of the civil society - especially the traditional leaders who will intervene in some critical areas of ethno-religious conflict; strengthening of some conflict resolution institutions through appropriate legislations.
2. Government should resolve to be pluralistic, representative, and just in dealing with ethno-religious issues; and above all the government should strive to reduce poverty among the Nigerian citizens and concentrate less on foreign assistance whenever such crises arise to forestall colonialists" involvement in the affairs of the country.
3. The government should provide dialogue workshops, conferences where people of ethnic and religious groups will be the opportunity to speak out their grievances and ensure peaceful dialogues among the people. The government must ensure that such summits are well equipped and well-coordinated such that non aggressive speech should be taken personal. All should speak out their minds and profile solution to their challenges.
4. Securities send to this area to resolve conflicts should be well educated on the needed of putting the interest of the country and the people they are to save without religious or ethnic sentiments they should be monitored by the superiors to ensure the do the right thing, without ethnic or religious sentiment. They should also be trained on how to handle social dispute without stirring up another crisis.
5. Religious groups in Nigeria should put in measures to caution or punish their adherents in any action that promotes violence. The religious groups should also set up a committee that will monitor and counsel adherents who propagate violence or engage in violence.

Title Page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Table of Content

List of Tables

Abstract

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Objective of the Study

1.4 Research Questions

1.5 Research Hypothesis

1.6 Significance of the Study

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.8 Limitation of the Study

1.9 Definition of Terms

1.10 Organisations of the Study

Chapter Two:

Review of Literature

2.1 Conceptual Framework

2.2 Theoretical Framework

2.3 Empirical Review

Chapter Three:

Research Methodology

3.1 Research Design

3.2 Population of the Study

3.3 Sample Size Determination

3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure

3.5 Research Instrument and Administration

3.6 Method of Data Collection

3.7 Method of Data Analysis

3.8 Validity of the Study

3.9 Reliability of the Study

3.10 Ethical Consideration

Chapter Four:

Data Presentation and Analysis

4.1 Data Presentation

4.2 Analysis of Data

4.3 Answering Research Questions

4.4 Test of Hypotheses

Chapter Five:

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendation

References

APPENDIX

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