Interfaith mediation centre in promoting peace in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

One of the main obstacles across the globe is a conflict between social groupings. Conflicts over religion, ethnicity, and post-election violence in Africa, and notably Nigeria, harm people's lives and livelihoods. Conflicts occurred in Kaduna, Plateau, and the Bauchi State over a period of time. There has been a public uproar due to the escalating crisis in Bauchi State. To promote peace-building in Bauchi State, Nigeria, this article attempts to investigate the causes that led to the formation of the Interfaith Mediation Centre. The John Paul Lederach theory of peace building served as the basis for this investigation. The study used a descriptive approach. Qualitative research design was employed. The main informants were chosen by the researcher from among Interfaith Mediation Centre personnel, religious leaders, and government officials using a purposive sample technique. Data were extracted from both primary and secondary sources of data collecting. Thematic content analysis was used for analysing the data. The results of the study showed that although the Interfaith Mediation Centre was founded in 1995 to address the problems of persistent ethno religious violence affecting Bauchi state, its main goal was to put an end the conflicts. Another research result supported the idea that IMC fosters peaceful communities in Bauchi and elsewhere through various forms of strategic involvement and mediation. Accordingly, the study concluded that the organization offers training materials to boost and develop peace-building ability, promote religious tolerance, ethnic unity, and the empowerment of women to inculcate the culture of peace. The study recommended that the Interfaith Mediation Centre should keep promoting dialogue among Muslims and Christians, and also promote peace education in the state.