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.