Causes and Consequences of Ethnic Conflict in Nigeria

Causes and Consequences of Ethnic Conflict in Nigeria
Author's Name
The Institutional Affiliation
Course Number and Name
Instructor Name
Assignment Due Date
Causes and Consequences of Ethnic Conflict in Nigeria
1 Introduction
Ethnic conflicts are one of the key challenges faced by the contemporary world, particularly in the African region. The conflicts in a nation lead to political, social, and economic uncertainty. The ethnic struggles in Nigeria are very intricate and multifaceted. The country has a multi-ethnic society where several hegemonic ethnic groups are operating for the recognition of their identity. Religious and ethnic identity is the main reason which causes the majority of the conflicts. The power control, biased resource distribution, nationality crisis, state failure, economic recession, religion, and ethnic clashes have resulted from ethno-religion nationalism. According to Osaghae & Suberu (2005), a recurring state of crisis has destabilized the entire African region harming national unity and political, economic stability.
2 Ethnic Groups Involved in Conflict
The current state of Nigeria was part of two different British Colonies, which were formed in the year 1914. These colonies were divided into two distinct religious sects, Muslim and Christian. Their differences caused conflict and violence, leading to recurring tension. These recurring clashes between the two distinct ethnic groups resulted in population division, exposing the region to religious and ethnic fanatics (Adetoye & Omilusi, 2015). The country gained independence in 1960, and since then, brutal military rule and civil unrest gave rise to extremism which led to the formation of different insurgent groups. According to the CIA (2020), several ethnic groups in modern Nigeria are involved in the conflict across Nigeria. Still, those known as the major source of violence are (JAS) Jama'atu Ahlul Sunnah lid Da'awatu wal Jihad which is commonly recognized as Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fii Biladis Sudan referred to as Ansaru.
1 Group 1: Boko Haram
Boko Haram is the leading Islamic militant group in Nigeria that came into being in 2002. The purpose of its creation was to establish a fundamentalist Islamic state that operates in compliance with sharia criminal courts. The group primarily operates in the Northern region and works towards the enforcement of sharia law. For this purpose, they have carried out a series of violent activities across Nigeria, such as suicide bombs, frightening public spaces, homicide, and kidnapping for ransom and personal motives (Akindiyo, 2013). The actions of these extremist groups have been a source of huge conflict within the country. The clash between the insurgent groups and within communities creates instability in the country.
2.2Group 2: Ansaru
Ansaru was created in 2012 and controls the North-west region of Nigeria. Their focus is the restoration of the true Muslim identity in the western region of Africa, which Boko Haram has tainted. The insurgent group is involved in several unlawful activities such as abduction and kidnapping for raising funds, terrorizing the population, and violent clashes. It is also...