A Pragmatic Analysis of Peace Initiative: Mediation for Managing Inter-Religious Conflict in Contemporary Nigeria

Abstract

The different studies and articles on inter-religious conflict in Africa and in Nigeria, for the most part, indicate that
poor economic, socio-political, and bad governance are the major causes of such inter-religious conflict in the
country. Nigeria today faces more significant challenges to peace and stability than ever before. The various regions
in the country, the Northern part of the country, the South West, and the Niger Delta, are a volatile mix of insecurity,
inter-religious conflict and political instability. This study, however, examined the dynamics and nature of interreligious strife, past inter-religious conflict, and contemporary causes that trigger the conflict within the country. The
study adopted the qualitative content method. The various secondary sources, such as articles, government reports,
newspapers, and online articles, are engaged. The study's findings indicated that interreligious conflicts have resulted
in consequences like division among ethnicity and religious groups. It additionally evaluates the negative impacts of
inter-religious conflict on the unity and economic development of the Nigerian state. The study looked further into the
nature and challenges of inter-religious peace initiatives in managing inter-religious strife in Nigeria. The study
concluded that various peace initiatives will increase the peaceful co-existence among the people and ensure
sustainable development in Nigeria.