FAITH AND FRACTURE: ADDRESSING RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE AND ITS THREAT TO NIGERIA'S NATIONAL SECURITY

Conflict is a great predicament in any human society, and most times, it is predictable. In fact, history indicates that conflict is an on-going process in human relations and may occur within and among groups and communities at any time. In the case of Nigeria, the frequency of religious conflicts in the northern part between 1987 and 2011 has left adverse effects on the socio-economic polity of the people. In the course of these conflicts, Christians have at certain times, taken up weapons to counter the attacks from the Muslims, claiming to do so in self-defence. This study therefore gave an overview of the general concept and causes of religious conflicts in Nigeria and, advocated for ethical principles such as the common solidarity of humanity by origin, forgiveness and tolerance that could engender cordiality and understanding rather than sustained hostility and suspicion in Christian-Muslim relation in Nigeria.