Conflict is a struggle, disagreement or misunderstanding between two or more people, groups, communities or nations in the process of pursuing their different goals, interests or values.

conflict is defined as an interpersonal misunderstanding or struggle between individuals or groups in a society.

1. Interpersonal conflict – This is a conflict that occurs between two individuals, for example, a quarrel between classmates or neighbours.


2. Intrapersonal conflict – This is a conflict that takes place within an individual. It happens when a person is undecided about what choice or decision to make.


3. Intergroup conflict – This occurs between two different groups, for example, conflict between two communities or ethnic groups.


4. Intragroup conflict – This is conflict within a single group or family, for example, disagreement among members of the same club, association or household.


5. National conflict – This occurs within a country, for example, communal clashes, religious crises or political violence.


6. International conflict – This is a conflict that involves two or more countries, for example, wars, boundary disputes and terrorism.

1. Land disputes between villages.


2. Electoral violence during elections.


3. Religious and ethnic clashes.


4. Strikes and protests by workers.


5. Fighting among students in school.

1. Poverty and unemployment.


2. Greed and selfishness.


3. Religious and ethnic intolerance.


4. Political rivalry and struggle for power.


5. Land and boundary disputes.


6. Corruption and injustice.


7. Misunderstanding or poor communication.


8. Drug abuse and cultism.

1. Loss of lives and destruction of property.


2. Breakdown of law and order.


3. Economic hardship and underdevelopment.


4. Displacement of people from their homes.


5. Hatred and mistrust among citizens.


6. Closure of schools and increase in illiteracy.


7. General insecurity in the society.

Conflict management refers to the process of reducing, controlling or handling conflict through peaceful means.

Conflict resolution means finding a lasting solution to a conflict in such a way that all the parties involved accept and maintain peace.

1. Dialogue – open discussion between the parties involved.


2. Negotiation – reaching a compromise that is acceptable to all.


3. Mediation – involving a neutral third party to help settle the conflict.


4. Tolerance – respecting other people’s views and beliefs.


5. Education – teaching the importance of peace, unity and cooperation.


6. Justice and fairness – treating people equally without discrimination.


7. Law enforcement – government and security agencies ensuring law and order.

1. Mutual understanding – the ability to recognise and respect the views of others.


2. Self-control – the ability to remain calm and not act violently during conflict.


3. Good communication – ability to listen attentively and express oneself clearly.


4. Patience – waiting calmly for issues to be resolved without rushing.


5. Honesty – being truthful in discussions and negotiations.


6. Tolerance – accepting other people’s differences in culture, religion and opinion.


7. Respect for others – giving regard to other people’s rights and dignity.

• Promotes social change.


• Encourages people to stand for their rights.


• Helps to correct injustice.


• Strengthens laws and institutions.

• Violence, deaths, destruction of property, hatred, underdevelopment.

• Setting up peace committees.


• Making and enforcing fair laws.


• Providing security (police, army, NSCDC).


• National Orientation Agency (NOA) for peace education.

• United Nations (UN).


• African Union (AU).


• ECOWAS (especially ECOWAS Monitoring Group – ECOMOG).


• NGOs like Red Cross, Amnesty International.

1. Early warning signs (rumours, threats, hate speech).


2. Dialogue before violence breaks out.


3. Government policies that reduce poverty and unemployment.


4. Promoting unity through national integration programmes (NYSC, National anthem, pledge).

• Tiv/Jukun conflict in Benue/Taraba.


• Ife/Modakeke crisis in Osun State.


• Jos crises in Plateau State.


• Niger Delta militancy.


• Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.