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Discuss five cause of religious conflict and it effects on social security in Nigeria. (Jupeb 2022)
10 Causes Of Religious Conflict and Its Effects on Nigerian Security
Religious conflict in Nigeria has become a major threat to national security. Below are ten causes of religious conflict and how they affect the country’s security:
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Religious Intolerance – The refusal to accept other religious beliefs leads to clashes between groups, especially in mixed communities, disrupting peace.
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Extremism and Fanaticism – Groups like Boko Haram use extremist ideologies to justify terrorism, resulting in loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of property.
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Political Manipulation – Politicians often use religion to divide citizens for political gain, which fuels tension and post-election violence.
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Historical Rivalries – Long-standing religious disputes in places like Plateau and Kaduna states often reignite, causing repeated violent outbreaks.
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Economic Disparities – Perceived marginalization of a religious group economically can lead to protests and violent demands for justice.
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Misinterpretation of Scriptures – Some individuals twist religious teachings to promote hate and justify violent attacks.
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Competition for Converts – Aggressive proselytization sometimes leads to hostility between religious groups, sparking communal violence.
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Cultural Differences – Religion is closely tied to ethnicity in Nigeria, so cultural-religious clashes often turn violent.
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Discrimination and Marginalization – When minority religious groups are denied equal rights, it breeds resentment and insecurity.
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Foreign Interference – Support from external religious bodies can intensify local conflicts and fuel terrorism.
Conclusion:
Religious conflict undermines national unity, promotes violence, weakens law enforcement, and slows down development. Ensuring religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence is vital for Nigeria’s security.