Study of the Effect of Ethno-Religious Conflicts on Communal Security in Kaduna State

Ethno-religious conflicts in Kaduna State have generated cycles of communal violence, displacement, and insecurity that undermine sustainable development and inter-community relations across the South-North divide of the state. This study examined the effects of ethno-religious conflict on communal security and social cohesion in Southern Kaduna (Zangon-Kataf) and Kaduna North LGAs, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive qualitative design was adopted, combining focus group discussions with eight community groups (four from each LGA) representing diverse religious and ethnic identities, structured interviews with 12 community leaders and six security officials, and documentary review of conflict incident records from 2020 to 2023. Thematic analysis was applied. Results identified six security dimensions adversely affected by conflict: freedom of movement restriction, economic activity disruption, educational disruption through school closure, displacement of vulnerable populations, deterioration of inter-ethnic trust, and proliferation of small arms. Conflict underlying drivers identified included land ownership disputes, market access competition, and political manipulation of ethnic and religious identities. Interviewees described security responses as reactive rather than preventive. The study recommends early warning systems for communal tension, interfaith peace dialogue mechanisms, land tenure reform, and community security governance integration with traditional authorities in conflict-affected LGAs.

Keywords: ethno-religious conflict, communal security, Kaduna State, social cohesion, conflict prevention