ETHNO-RELIGIOUS POLARISATION AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE IN TARABA SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Ethno-religious polarisation constitutes a major factor undermining peaceful coexistence in Taraba South Senatorial District of Taraba State. This form of polarisation often generates social contradiction, mistrust, and recurrent conflicts among different ethnic and religious groups, thereby weakening intergruop relations and hindering sustainable coexistence within the region.   This study  aim at investigating the effects of ethnic and religious polarisation on peaceful coexistence in the study area. Theoretically, the study is anchored on Social Identity Theory, which posits that belonging to social groups (e.g. religious, ethnic, political, economic or occupational groups) serves an important basis for one’s identity. Methodologically, the paper is an opinion paper. It is based on desk-review using secondary sources from text-books, journal articles, newspapers, magazines, internet materials etc. The criteria for selecting materials are, they should relate to ethnic and religious conflict and ethnic and religious polarisation and they should be published between 2015 and 2026. The study finds that many human societies are heterogeneous in nature, housing people with differing ethno-religious background. This difference creates contradictions which seemingly manifest in form of polarisation, ethnic and religious sentiments and communal conflicts. The findings also indicated that polarisation in Taraba Southa is linked to the recurrent ethno-religious and communal conflicts bedeviling the area. It is concluded that polarisation is a significant obstacle to peaceful coexistence in the area. To address the problem of ethno-religious polarisation and its attendant violent inter-group conflict, the study recommends that government should make policy that will ensure equitable and fair distribution of resources; leaders of the religious groups should condemn extremism and promote inclusive and respectful discourse; there is need for religious bodies to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding through regular interfaith meetings and discussions to foster mutual understanding and respect.