ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN KADUNA AND PLATEAU STATES- IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The research problem of this study is “Ethnic and religious conflicts in Kaduna and Plateau States and their Implications for the Socio- Economic and political development of Nigeria”. The incessant ethnic and religious conflicts have become a major problem confronting the two states and the nation at large. The conflicts have resulted to the death of many Nigerians and the loss of property worth billions of naira. This has led to the expression of disappointment by well meaning people within and outside Nigeria. The researcher therefore researched into the root and remote causes of these conflicts. That was done through the historical method. Data was obtained from primary sources through oral interviews as they relate to the research topic. Six randomly selected local governments in Kaduna State and six Local Government Areas in Plateau State were used for the study. Secondary sources like the Library and Archives were consulted for data. The Internet was equally a great source of information for the study. Findings reveal that the root and remote courses of the ethno-religious conflicts are tied to the Sharia law, intolerance, indigene/settler syndrome, unemployment, poverty, unguided utterances of Religious and Political Leaders, lack of proper education, and absence of good governance among others. The conflicts by implication have resulted in the irreparable loss of human and material resources that could have been useful for social and economic developmental purposes of the nation. The conflicts have also posed serious consequences on the nation’s political system as it affects democratic values and norms. The researcher by way of conclusion hoped that sincere governmental schemes and efforts be established to achieve social, economic and political distributive justice for all people in the country. With that the incessant conflicts shall be controlled.