Ethno-Religious Conflict and Its Impact on Intergroup Relations in Yobe South, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The outbreak of conflict in social settings is an intrinsic part of human history, and ethno-religious conflict has been a persistent social phenomenon. Nigeria, with its multireligious groups and conspicuous rivalry, has consequences on intergroup relations, and religious rivalry underpinned the structural configuration in the society. The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of ethno-religious conflict on intergroup relations in Yobe South, Yobe State, Nigeria. The paper adopts Realistic Group Conflict Theory of Intergroup Conflict. The paper utilizes primary data consisting collection of data using questionnaire. The population of the study comprises all adults both men and women in Yobe South, of Yobe State. Nigeria. Specifically, this study will cover all four local government areas in Yobe South. Namely, Fika, Fune, Nangere and Potiskum. The study employs a survey research design using primary data. The sample size for this study is (518) which is determined by adopting Yamane formula for calculating sample size for a finite population The major findings of this paper based on the objective of the study revealed that ethno-religious conflict affects intergroup relations in Yobe South. The conclusion from the results of this study showed that people with cross-group friends living in communities where this form of conflict were experienced tend to develop negative intergroup relations. The paper recommends that structural reform that engenders an inclusive political system, equitable distribution of resources, greater roles for religious and traditional leaders, religious tolerance, and bridging of the gap between the rich and the poor will undoubtedly decrease if not completely eradicate the constant outbreak of ethno-religious conflicts in Yobe South. Yobe State. Nigeria.