David M.E. Nwogbaga, PhD1; Rev. Dr. S.I. Odoh2;
Doris O. OnwaFidelis C. Nnaji3
Email: dnwogbaga504@gmail.com
Department of Political Science
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
Abstract
The Paper analysed ethno-religious crisis in Nigeria which, having taken diverse perspectives, are adjudged to constitute serious threats to the nation’s unity. Included in these ethno-religious conflicts is the Jos crisis that has defied several efforts towards resolution since its emergence in 2001. Efforts to resolve the crisis through several commissions, committees, panels, and even emergency rule proved abortive. Thus, Plateau state formerly known as “The Home of Peace and Tourism” was satirized into “The Home of Pieces and Terrorism”. The consequent escalation of these conflicts which became sources of concern to Nigerians constitutes the main focus of this study. Hence this study is designed to explain why the ethno-religious crisis in Jos persists despite all efforts to resolve it, and; to suggest how the crisis can be managed to ensure sustainable peace in the state. Using content analysis techniques and relative deprivation theory, the study explained that the ethno-religious crisis in Jos persisted over the years despite all efforts to resolve it because the government could not meet the demands of the deprived Jasawa people and ignored the recommendations of the various bodies established to investigate the crisis. In this light, it is argued that the ethno-religious crisis in Jos can be managed to enhance sustainable peace in plateau state through the implementation of the recommendations advanced by the various commissions of inquiry.