Communal conflicts in the Nigerian States of Kano and Kaduna: an analytical study of the role of the Nigerian supreme council for Islamic affairs and the Christian association of Nigeria

Abstract

Killing and maiming of innocent souls, as well as destruction of public and private properties ‘in the name of religion’ have become a common phenomenon in Kano and Kaduna States, and, indeed, some other parts of Nigeria. The conflicts have virtually defied all efforts by the stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the fracas. The inability of the Muslim and Christian communities to live peacefully with their neighbours in some parts of the country has earned the nation a bad reputation the world over. This study examines, inter alia, immediate and remote factors responsible for the perennial communal violence in the two states, and by extension the Nigerian society as a whole between 1980 and 2010. It scrutinises the role of the umbrella bodies of the two religious communities, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in mediating between the warring parties, and offers practical suggestions on the way forward. In addition to the do-or-die politics and religious bigotry being perpetuated by unscrupulous politicians and ‘half-baked’ religious personnel, the study believes that the breakdown in family structure and inconsistency in educational policies of the authorities are highly instrumental in the breeding of yandaba or ‘area boys’, who serve as foot soldiers during communal unrest. Being a prime factor in religious affairs in the country, the study suggests greater participation of the NSCIA and CAN in future measures to contain communal violence. It also sees the two organisations as an appropriate avenue for the rebuilding of God fearing families and suitable groups to advice the authorities on better reforms in all-round educational system that is envisaged to keep the youths busy and at the end of their studies make them gainfully engaged, hence free them from the cloak of unprincipled-politicians and fanatical leaders who use politics and religion as a camouflage to destabilise the country.