A Review of Ethnic Conflict in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to review the ethnic conflicts in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study adopts desk/literature review. Social Identity Theory and Political Ecology Theory have been adopted in the study. According to Social Identity Theory, groups and not individuals are the main engine of social conflict, because people tend to identify themselves with the group they belong to and, in group, they show resentment towards other groups they are not identified with. The political ecology situates the ethnic conflict in Kaduna State revolving around access to and control over resources.

The paper assumes that conflict is necessary, but it should not be escalated to destructive point against people’s lives and properties, irrespective of their tribal and religious differences. The paper discovered that ethnic conflict in Kaduna State is associated with myriad of factors, including fight for supremacy over land, hate speeches, growing economic, social and political inequalities between ethnic groups etc. The consequences of conflict include stress and anxiety on the individuals; breakdown in communities; additional demands on government services and degradation of the local environment. To provide solutions to ethnic conflict in Kaduna State, the paper suggests that focus should be placed on conflict prevention, Government should check proliferation of fire arms in the hands of unauthorized persons, and it should also partner with civil society organizations. The paper concluded that there is the need for unity between the various sub-populations within Kaduna State, despite their differences.