Communal Conflicts in Nigeria

By Lovelyn Nwolisa

+2348098234737

lovelynlisa@yahoo.com

Communal conflict arises when two distinct community groups come into conflict.

Nigeria is a large multiethnic country where ethnic cleavages remain a critical problem and ethnic violence has erupted periodically. Within the past four decades, Nigeria has experienced dangerous scenes of incessant dysfunctional conflicts, which have occurred between communities, ethnic groups and religious groups.

Class Discussions (part 1)

Tell us your name and where you come from Tell us about a conflict in your community

Causes of Communal Conflict

Indigene/Settler (Land ownership issues) Land Dispute Boundary Dispute The then Federal Military Government

Mention more...

Examples of conflicts in Nigeria

Yoruba-Hausa community in Shagamu

-Respect for tradition(Oro festival)

Eleme-Okrika

-Creation of state and local govt

-Unclear boundaries

-Clash over ownership of oil fields, farmlands and waterways.

Tiv-Jukun in Wukari

-Case of Indigene/settler

-Assasination of the representative of Jukun in Taraba State House of Assembly (Jukun accused the Tiv)

Chamba-Kuteb in Taraba

-Chieftancy title selection process altered

Itsekiri-Ijaw/Urhobo

-Movement of LGA hq from Ijaw area to Itsekiri territory

-Land ownership/dispute

Aguleri-Umuleri in Anambra State

-Land disputes Ife-Modakeke in Osun State

-Indegines/settlers case Ijaw-Ilaje conflict in Ondo

-Ownership of land reputed to be rich in oil reserve

others

Basa-Egbura in Nassarawa Hausa/Fulani-Sawaya in Bauchi Fulani-Irigwe and Yelwa-Shendam, both in

Plateau State Ogoni-Adoni Hausa-Yoruba clashes in Idi-Araba in Lagos

State

Class Discussion (part 2)

How was the conflict in your community resolved?

Lessons learnt.

Effects of Communal Conflicts

Loss of Lives and Human Resources

Damage of Properties

Physical Injury

Psychological Disorder

Hunger and Malnutrition

Sexual Violence

Displacement of families

Slows down Education

Class discussions

Name others...

Group Discussion

Group 1. Discuss various ways communal conflict can be avoided.

Group 2. How can an on-going conflict be stopped?

Group 3. What are the roles of government, religious bodies, Individuals and Agencies in Conflict resolution?

Mitigating Future Conflict In Nigeria

Eliminate indigene/settler classifications in government decision -making

Strengthen, coordinate, and de-conflict security institutions.

Make protection of minority rights a priority Establish Community based, state supported

peace-building committee