Rigorous Attitudinal Change: Effective Antidote to Religious Fracas in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa struggles to free itself from turbulent atmosphere and series of bloodbath in the ‘name of religion’. Unfortunately, loss of a large number of innocent lives and unquantifiable property are always recorded in the aftermath of every episode of this cankerworm called religious crises that have ravaged the ‘Giant of Africa’. A situation where innocent lives and property are wasted, bona fide citizens of a nation continue to enjoy refugee status and regarded as a second class group in their own country due to their religious inclination calls for thorough investigation. Religious intolerance has become a major problem in Nigeria in recent past and was subsequently hijacked by political opportunists who use it as a weapon against their opponents. Half-baked religious leaders, sensational report of events by the media also play a role in fuelling religious crises. As a way of finding permanent solution to this monster in the Nigerian society, this paper looks at the phenomenon from diverse perspectives, with a view to identifying immediate and remote causes of the recurrent conflicts. The paper among other things opines that attitude and feelings of adherents of religions towards fellow countrymen should be revisited as the major religions in the country preach tolerance and love for all human beings. The paper thereby suggests that people of different faiths should imbibe attitudinal change and learn to live with one another in peace in order to make the country a better place for all.