Dialogue as a Tool for Resolving Inter-Religious Conflicts in Kaduna State

This study explores the use of interfaith dialogue as a tool for resolving inter-religious conflicts in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. Kaduna State has experienced recurring religious conflicts involving Christian and Muslim communities, resulting in significant loss of lives, destruction of property, and deep-seated communal mistrust. In recent years, structured dialogue initiatives have been promoted by government agencies, faith-based organisations, and civil society as critical mechanisms for managing religious diversity and reducing violence. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews involving 90 participants drawn from Christian and Muslim religious leaders, community associations, and youth interfaith groups across Kaduna North and Kaduna South local government areas. The study is theoretically grounded in Habermas's communicative action theory and the contact hypothesis. Findings indicate that structured dialogue processes facilitated by neutral third-party actors have contributed to de-escalating tensions following specific incidents and building long-term trust bridges between religious groups. However, political manipulation of religious identity and the absence of follow-up reconciliation mechanisms limit the sustainability of dialogue outcomes. The study recommends institutionalising interfaith dialogue through the Kaduna State Peace Commission, establishing early warning mechanisms within religious institutions, and mainstreaming religious tolerance curricula in Kaduna schools. Keywords: interfaith dialogue, inter-religious conflict, Kaduna State, peace commission, religious tolerance.