Religious Encounter and Identity in Nigeria: Issues Bordering on Religious Freedom and Peace

Abstract

Religious encounter and identity have been an issue confronting Nigeria which has resulted in several conflicts mostly in the northern part of the country. The resultant effect is the death of several people, the displacement of many more, and the destruction of properties the estimation of which will be difficult to properly quantify. Religion is meant to unite the people and not to cause division. In the face of development, religious identity has been a cog in the wheel of peaceful coexistence and development. This has affected freedom of religion with the result that people cannot practice their religion without fear. This study adopted a qualitative research method. This made use of secondary sources such as books,journals, articles,reports and internet sources. The study found that religious identity has affected religious freedom vis-a-vis peaceful coexistence. The study recommends, among others, charting a course that will restore and enhance a healthy religious encounter among adherents of all faiths and foster peace that will create the conducive atmosphere for devel-opment and improve the quality of life which all Nigerians yearn for.