THE HEALING POWER OF FORGIVENESS IN PEACE BUILDING: THE CASE OF SAARE/TSARAGI, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Conflicts in Nigeria remain problematic to government and the communities involved. Saare and Tsaragi communities in Kwara State, Nigeria cohabited peacefully from 1808 until 2000 when boundary issue led to direct violence. The resurgence of direct violence on from 2000- 2008 reflects that the healing process was defective and lack of forgiving spirit. The study examines the willingness of the communities to forgive, the hindrances and the conditions required. The study found that 77% of the respondents suffered injury while 74.5% were willing to forgive and government lacked the political will to transform the conflict as these complicated forgiveness process. The study concludes that forgiveness is essential for peacebuilding and recommends joint prayers for the two communities, the government to develop strong political will by complying with sections 7 & 8 of the 1999 Constitution, adopt peace approach, and encourage the course of peace building through forgiveness and granting of concession.