CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The attacks on the state by various insurgents and terrorist groups have raised doubts about the Nigerian federation’s ability to survive, whether as a single entity or as a collection of states, similar to the failed Biafra uprising of 1967–1970. The massive killing of Ibos in Northern Nigeria in the 1960s, as well as the exodus of Ibos back home, revealed the mindset of the Igbo ethnic group that chose secession through their leader Lt Col O. Ojukwu. Currently, each ethnic group claims ownership of most national issues; this is the root of Nigeria’s problem, as there is no cooperation to move the country forward in achieving national consciousness and identity.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a separatist group that advocates for their people’s self-determination. Studies have shown that protests by various groups in various countries have an impact on the political stability of the countries involved (Shehu, Othman & Osman 2017).

National integration is the process of instilling a sense of national consciousness, identity, and loyalty among a country’s citizens, despite the fact that they come from various races or castes, ethnic groups, religions, regions, and languages. The definitions provided above show how the concepts of peacebuilding and national integration are linked to the goal of nation-building.

Despite efforts and resources devoted to peace and integration projects, Nigeria has struggled to achieve peace and national integration since independence due to a variety of factors. The 30-month fratricidal Biafra-Nigeria civil war between 1967 and 1970 exemplified the importance and dominance of centrifugal forces (tearing the country apart) over centripetal elements (working towards homogeneity or unity). Nigeria has continued to drift towards increased social, regional, and ethno-religious cleavages despite General Gowon’s post-conflict policy, which emphasized reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

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