Group Conflict in Nigeria: A Qualitative Exploration of Survivors’ Experiences

Abstract

Background: This qualitative study explored the experiences of survivors of group conflicts in Nigeria. The persistent conflicts in Nigeria not only create a sense of social distance but also hamper political and socioeconomic development of the country. This current study, therefore, serves as a guide to politicians and policy makers on how to effectively manage ethno-religious conflicts and practise peace building more safely. Method: Data were gathered by means of semi-structured interviews conducted on fifteen individuals and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were the survivors of numerous conflicts perpetrated by the Boko Haram Islamists and the Niger Delta Avengers in the northern and southern parts of Nigeria respectively. Findings and Conclusion: Two major themes emerged from the interviews, which capture the experiences of the participants who were the survivors of the numerous conflicts. Among these themes were also their suggestions on how to stop the conflicts and prevent any future conflicts. These themes include triggers of the conflict and coping with conflicts. Under these main themes were also subthemes where the numerous experiences were presented descriptively. These findings were placed alongside previous studies in this area and discussed with the existing theories in this field. Recommendations were made on how to prevent any future conflicts in Nigeria.