Sins of the Father: The Danger and Futility of Trans-Generational Conflicts in Nigeria

Abstract:

Many of Nigeria’s conflicts are recurrent and trans-generational. The youth often inherit conflicts without truly understanding the root causes or any other perspectives. They are often overly sensitive when dealing with people from certain ethnic groups because of perceived or real wrongs that their ancestors committed and passed down prejudices. As a result, conflicts often continue without any of the active participants really remembering what they are fighting for, and minor misunderstandings that would ordinarily have been resolved amicably sometimes escalate into major violent conflicts because of perceived sensitivities. Some examples include the Ife/Modakeke; Aguleri/Umuleri; and the Tiv/Jukun conflicts. This paper examines some of the most serious communal conflicts that have occurred in Nigeria’s recent history as well as the Nigerian civil war. It attempts to identify the root causes of the conflicts. It then attempts to deduce the attitude of young people from the opposing communities as well as opposing sides in the civil war to the conflicts and to each other. The paper highlights the root causes of these conflicts in a bid to assess their relevance in the 21st century Nigeria. An examination of current sentiments reveals whether or not the particular conflicts are accorded due or undue attention. The effect of the attitude of the youth to these conflicts is also examined. Finally, new dynamics to these “old” conflicts are assessed as well as implications for conflict resolution efforts.