Yange Clement Terlumun PhD
Political Science Department
College of Education, Katsina-Ala
yangeclement@gmail.com
08130179963
Geri Tor Godfrey PhD
History Department
College of Education, Katsina-Ala
07031983911
&
Terver Mnda
Political Science Department
College of Education, Katsina-Ala
tervermnda@gmail.com
08165414927
Abstract
This article examined the resurgence of ethno religious conflicts in Nigeria. Using Structural Conflict theory by Karl Marx the chapter revealed that structural violence that manifests through struggle over political interest, resources, fear of religious domination, allegations of blasphemy and a host of inequalities are the major triggers of ethno-religious conflicts in the country. The article also noted that multicultural nature of the Nigerian society with its sharp ethnic and religious differences has generated various versions of ethnic identity which has threatened the existence of Nigerian communities by turning to ethnic conflict, and have created dangerous suspicion, distrust and conflicting antagonistic relationship among the various ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. This in turn is affecting the successful operations of democracy, because, religion and ethnicity are manipulated by the Nigerian political class for their own personnel gains. The work further interrogated why ethno-religious conflicts have become a recurring decimal in the political landscape of Nigeria and posited that the problem is deeply rooted in the lack of social justice and inclusion and a perceived sense of marginalization which are products of bad politics and bad governance. The article recommends that proactivenss, attacking the root causes of ethno religious conflict and providing quality and responsible leadership among other factors will reduce the menace of ethno religious conflict in Nigeria.
