Abstract:
The research problem of this study is “Ethnic and religious conflicts in
Kaduna and Plateau States and their Implications for the Socio- Economic
and political development of Nigeria”. The incessant ethnic and religious
conflicts have become a major problem confronting the two states and the
nation at large. The conflicts have resulted to the death of many Nigerians
and the loss of property worth billions of naira. This has led to the
expression of disappointment by well meaning people within and outside
Nigeria. The researcher therefore researched into the root and remote causes
of these conflicts. That was done through the historical method. Data was
obtained from primary sources through oral interviews as they relate to the
research topic. Six randomly selected local governments in Kaduna State
and six Local Government Areas in Plateau State were used for the study.
Secondary sources like the Library and Archives were consulted for data.
The Internet was equally a great source of information for the study.
Findings reveal that the root and remote courses of the ethno-religious
conflicts are tied to the Sharia law, intolerance, indigene/settler syndrome,
unemployment, poverty, unguided utterances of Religious and Political
Leaders, lack of proper education, and absence of good governance among
others. The conflicts by implication have resulted in the irreparable loss of
human and material resources that could have been useful for social and
economic developmental purposes of the nation. The conflicts have also
posed serious consequences on the nation’s political system as it affects
democratic values and norms. The researcher by way of conclusion hoped
that sincere governmental schemes and efforts be established to achieve
social, economic and political distributive justice for all people in the
country. With that the incessant conflicts shall be controlled.