RELIGIOUS CONFLICT AND THE NIGERIA SOCIETY

ABSTRACT

The persistent religious conflicts and insecurity in Nigeria has given meaningful Nigerians a cause for deep concern in recent times. Many of them wonder why religion which used to be the cohesive factor and core of national unity, peaceful coexistence and national development has become a tool for political manipulation, violence, destruction of lives and property in Nigeria in contemporary time. Hence, this study critically examines the reasons for this religious conflict in a nation like Nigeria. The destruction of lives and property by reckless religious extremists has been a challenging key factor to sustainable development in Nigeria. This article aims to reflect on the religious conflicts in Nigeria from an epistemological point of view, ascertain the major causes of these conflicts and seek solutions to address the root causes. This work employed the analytic and descriptive methodology. In order to ascertain reliable data, various methods of data collection were employed. These include oral interview and personal observation. Literatures are reviewed. Journal articles and internet are consulted. Finally, this research work revealed that religious intolerance and conflict among Nigerians from different religious groups is the result of the misinterpretation of religious teachings of the leaders to their followers and that religious conflicts in Nigeria affect sustainable development as they lead to loss of lives and destruction of property, among others. The research work recommended that Religious adherents across all faith and traditions must have the willingness to be open to the beliefs of others and tolerate them.