Week 9: Understanding the Dynamics of Conflict

Causes of Conflicts:
1. Selfishness, where individuals prioritize their own interests over the collective
good.
2. Lack of cooperation, leading to friction and tension among groups or
individuals.
3. Bad leadership, characterized by incompetence, corruption, or
authoritarianism.
4. Lack of religious tolerance, fueling tensions and divisions based on religious
differences.
5. Communication gap, hindering effective dialogue and understanding between
parties.
6. Indolence and inefficiency, contributing to frustration and dissatisfaction
within society.
7. Criminal activities, including organized crime and illicit behavior,
destabilizing communities.

Effects of Conflict on Society:

1. Breakdown of law and order, leading to chaos and insecurity.
2. Loss of lives and property, resulting in human suffering and economic
damage.
3. Insecurity, instilling fear and uncertainty among the population.
4. Hinders progress in society, as resources are diverted towards conflict
resolution rather than development.
5. Brings disunity, fostering divisions and distrust among different groups within
society.

Conflict Resolution Strategies:

1. Dialogue, fostering understanding and compromise between conflicting
parties.
2. Legal recourse, utilizing the judicial system to address grievances and enforce
laws.
3. Law enforcement, maintaining peace and order through the intervention of
police forces.
4. Government intervention, implementing policies and initiatives to address root
causes of conflict.
5. Traditional leadership, seeking resolution through mediation by family or
community leaders.
6. War, as a last resort when peaceful means fail, though it often comes with
significant human and material costs.

Examples of Conflicts in Nigeria:

1. Nigeria Civil War (1967-1970), a devastating conflict over secessionist
ambitions in the southeastern region.
2. Hausa/Kataf conflict in Kaduna State, marked by ethnic and religious tensions
resulting in violence.
3. Ongoing crisis in Plateau State, characterized by clashes between various
ethnic and religious groups.

Evaluation:
1. Clearly state examples of conflicts in Nigeria, highlighting their impact and
significance.
2. List and analyze the causes and effects of conflict, emphasizing the need for
proactive measures to prevent and resolve conflicts.