EFFECTS OF STATE CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CONFLICT IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Taraba State, situated in the northeastern region of Nigeria, is a microcosm of Nigeria's broader diversity, characterized by over 80 ethnic groups practicing Christianity, Islam, and traditional African religions. This diversity, while a potential source of cultural richness, has become a breeding ground for recurrent and protracted ethno-religious conflicts, often sparked by struggle over land, political representation, and resource allocation. The persistence of these conflicts has not only led to significant loss of life and property, internal displacement of persons, and the destruction of means of livelihood, but has also deepened distrust among communities, disrupting social cohesion and local development. Therefore, this paper assesses the effects of the conflict resolution strategies employed by the Taraba state government on the management of ethno-religious conflicts in the state. The paper, which is both qualitative and quantitative, was anchored on conflict trap theory. The paper concludes that the diverse nature of the state deeply polarized it along ethnic and religious lines, contributing to the recurrent ethno-religious conflicts. It was found in the study that the kinetic and non-kinetic strategies adopted by the state have been effective in managing ethno-religious conflicts in Taraba state. This paper recommends that the Taraba state government should be proactive rather than reactive to ethno-religious conflicts, addressing the root causes of these conflicts in the state.