Causes of Ethnic and Religious Disturbances in Nigeria: Proactive Measure to Curb them

Abstract

The study attempted to critically appraise the main causes of ethnic and religious disturbances in Nigeria with the view to recommend proactive measures that would curtail their future occurrence. Data for the study was essentially obtained from the reports of various judicial and administrative panels of inquiries that were set up in the past ethnic and religious disturbances. In addition, interviews, discussions and written submissions from different government functionaries, academics, lawyers, businessmen, market women including traditional rulers and religious leaders were used. Other data incorporated in the analysis include: various documents on national security. such as government white papers, policy circulars and guidelines. Others are; research, seminar and workshop papers, including the national dailies. After careful data analysis, it was observed that, good governance, social justice, national development and integration as well as self-reliance must be the main focus of government from federal to local government. This will significantly reduce religious, ethnic, political and economic tensions in our society. Education and orientation of the masses at the grassroot, particularly on the danger of ethnic and religious conflicts to the economy must strongly be emphasized. Provision of adequate social infrastructures in our rural areas should be given serious attention so that ethnic groups residing in these areas would develop a sense of belonging. Enlightenment programmes for our religious leaders should be organized and arranged periodically. Most Importantly, government should check the excesses of our intellectuals. Bureaucrats and political elites who according to many observers are the brain behind these conflicts.