Interrogating Governments' Interventions in Communal Clashes: The Erin-Ile/Offa Conflicts in Perspective

Abstract

It is a fact that conflicts are inevitable occurrences in the relationships between individuals and groups. The management of conflicts however determines whether the conflicts will become destabilizing and destructive or will lead to enhanced peace, progress and better relations of the parties involved in the conflicts. The role of government in the management of conflicts is of paramount importance given the fact that the maintenance of peace and security and the promotion of the welfare of citizens remain the top priorities of governments all over the world. This study, which employed the descriptive research method, interrogated governments' interventions in the Erin-Ile/Offa border disputes and it concluded that the interventions failed to resolve the conflicts as the interventions were always viewed by the gladiators as being favour able to either of the two parties to the conflicts. This study therefore recommended a workable political arrangement for the peaceful co-existence of the two communities.