ETHNICITY, RELIGION AND CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA, 1999 – 2021: AN EXPOSITORY ANALYSIS OF YOUTHS’ INVOLVEMENT

Abstract

Conflicts have remained very important and recurring aspects of inter-group relations all over the world. Nigeria, as a country, is both multi-ethnic and multi-religious; a development that has become a fault line. In as much as the two variables are considered centripetal they are, on the other hand, centrifugal forces propelling Nigeria’s disintegration. This study is an attempt at x-raying the nexus between ethnicity and religion, and the prevalent violent conflicts that have dotted Nigeria’s geo-political space in recent times. The trios are not only antithetical to democratic ethos but also a threat to fragile strings of Nigerian federalism. All these have made Nigeria one of the difficult and complex countries where sectional interests have been upheld and defended at the detriment of national cohesion. The attendant protests and conflicts, undeniably, have been perpetuated by youths mobilized, as it were, by some political and religious leaders. This aspect of inter-group relations among Nigerians does not seem to enjoy robust scholarly investigations, thereby leaving a lacuna in our comprehensive knowledge of Nigerian history. It is, therefore, worthwhile to establish siamese interconnectedness between conflicts and ethno-religious diversity in this age of insurrection and insurgency. The study argues that the pluralism and diversity of ethnicity and religion have to be harnessed so as to create a level playing ground for all to contribute to nation-building efforts. The study adopted multidisciplinary approach to historiography together with lived-experience to update the account.