CURBING ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL OF THE CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE BOKO HARAM UPRISING

Abstract

Ethno-religious conflict has become a major security challenge confronting Nigeria and several African states. This paper examined the factors responsible for the Boko Haram insurgency and its consequences on Nigeria. The paper argued that ethno-religious conflicts can be resolved when the root causes and other socio-economic factors driving the conflict are analysed and addressed by the state and all the stakeholders. Data for the study were sourced from secondary sources, while analysis was done descriptively through the qualitative research method. The paper relied on the basic human needs theory as its theoretical framework. To ensure sustainable peace and progress in the north-east and Nigeria as a whole, the paper recommended for the restructuring of the Nigerian state in order to allow every ethnic group, state and geopolitical zone in the present day Nigeria to develop and progress at its own pace while the powers of the federal government are limited to defence, foreign policy, currency and national security.