How religious conflicts undermine national integration and under-develop Nigeria

Abstract

Conflicts are a threat to peaceful coexistence and development in any human society. The persistent incidents of conflicts among religious groups in Nigeria particularly Christianity and Islam affect national integration and underdevelopment in the country. Through these conflicts, thousands of lives are lost, hundreds of thousands are internally displaced and properties worth millions of naira are destroyed. This paper examines the general concept of religious conflicts, national integration, major causes of religious conflict and how these conflicts undermine national integration and underdeveloped Nigeria. The study uses social exclusion theory to explain why religious conflicts occur in Nigeria and undermine national integration and development. It adopts historical and descriptive methods in its analysis. The paper recommends among other things that government and adherents of Christianity and Islam should address the issue of religious intolerance that undermines national integration and development in Nigeria.