Ethno-religious conflict and sustainable development in Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the extent to which ethno-religious conflicts have affected sustainable development in Nigeria. The destruction of lives and property by reckless ethnic and religious extremists has been a challenging key factor to sustainable development in Nigeria. This article aims to reflect on the ethno-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. The article concludes that religious intolerance among Nigerians from different religious groups is the result of the misinterpretation of religious teachings of the leaders of terrorist groups to their followers and that ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria affect sustainable development as they lead to loss of lives and destruction of property, among others. It is also indicated that the effects of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria lead to an increase in the unemployment rate, withdrawal of foreign investments and education imbalance. The article concludes by arguing that ethnicity and religious crises are unhealthy for the nation’s sustainable development and that no price paid in the direction of resolving these conflicts can be considered to be too much. It is recommended that religious leaders form the minds of Nigerians with the teaching of love and peace, as it is proclaimed in their various religious books and beliefs.Contribution: This article brought to light the major factors instigating continuous ethno-religious conflict in Nigeria that has led to much social unrest. Theological reflection of the influence of religion in promoting peaceful coexisting environment was analysed. This work would be of immense benefit to religious bodies, government, civil society and students.

Insecurity and its implication for sustainable development in Nigeria: The role of religion

“…Thus, many people have dragged religion into politics by using religion to cause violence and destruction of lives and property in the country to achieve political power. Ngwoke and Ituma (2020) in their study show that religion is used to promote violence in Nigeria. They showed some cases of violence, including the Maitatsine crisis, which is a religious crisis that broke out in the Northern part of Nigeria in 1980 and lasted until 1985, claiming over 10 000 lives.…”

“…Not with standing the negative impact of religion on the Nigerian society (Ngwoke & Ituma 2020), religion is the only tool that, if used properly, would bring the ultimate peace that will guarantee long-lasting sustainable development in Nigeria (Mousa 2020). From their research, they show that true or genuine religion is by its very nature good, essentially loving and peaceful and promoting social cohesion.…”

Rethinking Nigeria’s Development: The Transformative Power of Ethics, Education and Religion

“…Nevertheless, with the growing influence of a secular agenda in shaping this domain, the inquiry into the impact of a religious cosmology on Christian faith-based development organisations (FBDOs) becomes importance (Service, 2018). Ngwoke & Ituma (2020) assert that the detrimental impact on human lives and property caused by irresponsible ethnic and religious extremists is a significant obstacle to the achievement of sustainable development in Nigeria. The authors analysed the ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria via an epistemological lens, aiming to identify the primary factors contributing to these conflicts and propose potential solutions to effectively challenge their underlying causes.…”

International Education and Brain Drain: A Case Study of Nigerians in Canada

“…As generally understood, conflict stems from a disagreement or controversy between individuals or groups. When this disagreement goes unresolved, it intensifies into a disordered state where acts of violence manifest (Ngwoke & Ituma, 2020). Alegbeleye (2014) depicts conflict as "a situation or condition of disharmony in an interactional process" (p.5).…”