Religious Conflicts in Northern Nigeria: A Critical Analysis

Within the framework of the theory of social conflict, this paper took a critical look at the causes, dimensions and effects of the perennial religious conflicts in northern Nigeria. It argues that colonialism, divergent perception of the Nigerian state intra-elite power struggle, the national economic crisis, politicisation of religion and educational backwardness are some of the causes of religious conflicts in the northern Nigeria. In particular, it observes that the increased tempo in religious conflicts in this zone since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in May 1999 could be attributed to the power tussle between the southern and the northern elite, the urge for “self-determination†among the northern minorities, the emergence of democracy and the-attendance openness, adverse national economic conditions and the reckless and inflammatory comments of some of the highly placed Nigerians. It, however, concludes that for religious peace to reign in the north, the issue of economic problems confronting the country has to be resolved, the kingpins of religious violence in the zone must be fished out and brought to justice, religious matters must be left with religious leaders and the educational gap between the north and the south be bridged. Above all, the issue of promoting religious harmony in this region is a collective one and every patriotic Nigerian must be committed to it.