Conflict can be defined as a misunderstanding or disagreement between two or more people. Conflict arises as people interact in their families, workplace, offices, social clubs, communities and countries. Conflict occurs sometimes due to lack of cooperation.
As a nation Nigeria has witnessed a lot of conflict. For instance the civil war between 1967 and 1970 seriously threatened the existence of Nigeria as a nation. Other past conflicts in Nigeria were informed of students riot, inter-tribal wars (Ife-Modakeke war), religious riots particularly in the north (Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi etc). Workers strikes and protests, electoral protest leading to burning of valuable properties and destruction of live.
Causes of conflicts
- Selfishness
- Lack of cooperation
- Bad leadership
- Lack of religious tolerance
- Lack of religious tolerance
- Communication gap
- Indolence and inefficiency
- Criminal activities
Effects of conflict in the society
- Breakdown of law and order
- Loss of lives and property
- Insecurity
- Debars progress in the society
- Brings disunity
Conflict resolution
Conflicts can be resolved in the following ways
- Dialogue
- Through the Law court
- Through the police
- Government intervention
- Through family or village head
- Through wars
Examples of conflict in Nigeria
- Nigeria civil war 1967 – 1970
- Hausa/Kataf conflict in Kaduna state
- OS crisis in Plateau state
- Ife/modakeke intra-ethnic conflict in Osun stare
- Okirika/Eleme inter-community conflict in River state
- Aguleri/Umuleri inter-ethnic conflict in Anambra state
See also
TRAFFICKING IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN
SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR PEDESTRIANS
WAYS OF SOLVING CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN NIGERIA
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN NIGERIA