Arresting Youth Religious Ethnic Violence and Terrorism with Peace Education

Abstract

Arresting Youth Religious Ethnic Violence and Terrorism with Peace Education Dr. Lantana M. Usman, PhD. Abstract Recently, youth participation in religious and ethnic terrorism has increased across Sub-Sahara Africa. Specific to northern Nigeria, school attending adolescent males have become more vulnerable. Public concerns on male youth participation in terrorist activities are raised, while others demand accountability of social agencies, public education, and community institutions to resolve the menace across the region. The article explores the causes, and social policy interventions of male youth participation in religious and ethnic violence/terrorism in Kaduna state of northern Nigeria as a case study. An exploratory qualitative literature review, and documentary analysis (DA) of public and private documents serves as the research design of the study. The literature review involved the use of computer qualitative software Atlasti.8 for data analysis and research rigor, textual data management, and identification of major themes as increased religious consciousness and percieved marginalization, impact of dysfunctional public schooling system, and lack of inclusive community involvement of male youth as the major causes of youth participation in violence and acts of terrorism. The article concludes with suggested policy options as the inclusion of peace education curriculum in public schools, re-engaging youth in community leadership, and mentorship programs amongst others. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jgpc.v8n1a1