Ethno-Religious Conflict: The Bane Of Nigeria Unity

Ethno-Religious conflict refers to the manifestation of ethnocentrism and religious bigotry in Nigeria society, which over the years have been the bane of Nigeria unity. Though religion has played vital role in the society, and has contributed immensely to the national development of this country. It has also been wrongly used by some ethnic groups to afflict this country severally with conflicts leading to wanton destruction of properties and loss of human lives. Obviously, there has been too much blood letting in this country resulting from ethnic and religious conflict which is threatening the very foundation of Nigeria’s corporate existence as a nation. The menace of ethno-religious conflict in Nigeria is fast eroding the core socio-cultural and religious value which forbids murder, covetousness, falsehood etc. It has hampered the economic growth of this country to such a great extent that poverty has engulfed the majority of the citizen. Worst still the mayhems have produced many disabled persons, orphans and widows, it has robbed many, of their comfortable homes, jobs and careers; it has left the citizens with enduring sorrow very hard to contend with. This research is set out to establish that ethnic and religious conflicts constitute a hitch to national integration. The researcher adopted historical research method. The findings made clear the fact that the peace and love which is the core religious value has not been exploited