CROWTHER JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Religion plays a dual role in human societies, influencing both conflict and peace. In the Nsukka cultural zone of Nigeria, daily life is shaped by African Traditional Religion (ATR) alongside foreign faiths, especially Christianity. Despite the influence of Western religions and modernism, ATR continues to offer meaning and spiritual grounding for the people. Traditionally, it upheld moral values and social order, promoting peaceful coexistence. However, the rise of Christianity and modern ideologies has eroded these traditional structures, contributing to increased insecurity in the region. Ironically, this insecurity has sparked renewed interest in ATR as a means of restoring peace. This study addresses a research gap by exploring ATR’s role as an agent of peace restoration in Nsukka. Adopting a qualitative ethnographic approach, the research relies primarily on oral interviews and participant observation, supported by secondary sources such as books, journals, and articles. Findings reveal that ATR helps restore peace through indigenous institutions such as deities, the council of elders, and masquerade cults, which function as custodians of justice, reconciliation, and moral discipline. The study recommends increased reliance on these traditional mechanisms to sustain peace and social harmony. Ultimately, it highlights the relevance and efficacy of African Traditional Religion as a viable model for peace-building in Nsukka and potentially in other African societies facing similar challenges.

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