MUHAMMAD KAMALUD-DEEN UNIVESITY ILORIN

COURSE TITEL: NIGERIAN PEOPLE AND CULTURE

COURSE CODE: GST 211

PRESENTATION TOPIC:

RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE
Sub Topic:
Consequences of Religious violence and solution
in Nigerian

LECTURER IN CHARGE:
W. A. AKINSOLA

May, 2025

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 Group Two (2)
Member’s information
NAMES MATRIC NUMBER
1. RASAQ SAHEED ALABI 24/07IS/052

2. JIMOH SHERIFFDEEN ABEFE 24/02AR/003

3. SOLIU OMOTOSHO SULYMAN 24/07IS/061

4. ABDULWASIU OPEYEMI YINUSA 24/07IS/063

5. ISMAIL YUSUF ARIYIBI 24/07IS/020

6. ABDULGANIYU ISSA ADEBAYO 24/10CY/005

7. IBRAHIM ADESHINA ANAFI 24/07IS/018

8. FADLULLAHI AYOBAMI BAKARE 24/07IS/022

9. ABDULKAREEM ABDULGANIYU ADENOYI 24/07IS/012

10. MUHIBUDEEN ISHOWO SULYMAN 24/07IS/060

11. ONIKUNKEWU HALIMAT IBRAHEEM 24/13PB/006

12. LUKMAN ZAKARIYAH

13. ABDULRASAQ AYINDE FAWAZ 24/14SE/001

14. SHUHU KAMIL TAMABARUKU

15. TAOFEEKAT OMOTOYOSI HANAFI 24/10CY/009

16. SOLIHU ABDULMUHEEZ OYAKAN 24/07IS/047

17. BAMIDELE ABIMBOLA ABDULWAHAB 24/09CS/004

18. KAMALDEEN OPEYEMI TAWAB 23/07IS/046

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page 1

Member’s information 2

Table of contents 3

Introduction 4

Meaning of Religion Violence 4

Examples of Religion Violence 4

Causes of Religion Violence 5

Consequences of Religion Violence 6

Measure to prevent and curb religion violence in Nigerian 7

Conclusion 8

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Introduction
Religious violence in Nigeria is a complex issue rooted in a mix of religious, political, economic, and social

factors. It’s particularly prevalent in the northern part of the country, where Islam is dominant, and often

involves conflict between Muslims and Christians, as well as between Muslims and others groups, including

those adhering to traditional religion. The violence can manifest as targeted attacks, sectarian clashes, and

the rise of extremist groups like Boko Haram.

Meaning of religion violence

ideologies, or identities. It can occur between different religious groups (inter-religious) or within the same

religion (intra-religious), and it often involves deep-seated historical, political, cultural, and social factors in

addition to religion itself.

EXAMPLES OF RELIGION VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

interplay of religion, ethnicity, and politics in these conflicts:

1. Chibok Schoolgirls Abduction:

Date: April 14, 2014

Location: Chibok, Borno State (Northeastern Nigeria)

Perpetrators: Boko Haram (a violent Islamist extremist group)

What Happened?

On the night of April 14, 2014, Boko Haram militants attacked a government secondary school in the town

of Chibok, where female students were taking exams. They abducted 276 schoolgirls, most of whom were

Christian.

The group claimed responsibility and said they kidnapped the girls because they believed Western education

is sinful (their name literally means “Western education is forbidden”).

Boko Haram stated they would forcefully convert the girls to Islam, marry them off, or sell them.

Impact:
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The attack drew global outrage, sparking the BringBackOurGirls movement. Many of the girls were later

forced into marriages, converted to Islam, or used as suicide bombers. As of now, some of the girls are still

missing. The incident became a symbol of religiously motivated gender violence and terrorism.

2. Benue State Attacks February 2025

Suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked three predominantly Christian communities in Benue State, killing six

Christians, injuring another, and kidnapping eight residents. The attacks led to the displacement of residents

and the destruction of homes.

3. Plateau State Massacres December 2023:

Over 200 people were killed in coordinated attacks across 17 rural communities in Plateau State. The attacks,

believed to have been carried out by Fulani militias, targeted Berom civilians and resulted in significant

property damage.

These incidents highlight the persistent and complex nature of religious and ethnic violence in Nigeria,

particularly in regions where diverse communities coexist. The interplay of historical grievances,

competition over resources and inadequate law enforcement continues to fuel these tragic events.

CAUSES OF RELIGION VIOLENCE

Religious violence is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with deep historical, political, cultural, and

psychological roots. Here are the main causes of religious violence, along with explanations:

1. Religious Extremism

Explanation: When individuals or groups adopt radical interpretations of religious texts or doctrines, they

may see violence as a legitimate way to defend or propagate their beliefs.

Example: Extremist groups like ISIS interpret Islamic texts to justify acts of terrorism and violence against

both non-Muslims and Muslims who disagree with them.

2. Political Manipulation

Explanation: Politicians or leaders may exploit religious differences to mobilize support, distract from

governance failures, or consolidate power.

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Example: In some countries, political leaders incite religious hatred or violence during elections to polarize

the electorate.

3. Historical Grievances and Revenge

Explanation: Long-standing historical injustices or perceived wrongs such as colonization, forced

conversions or destruction of religious sites can fuel cycles of retaliation.

Example: Ongoing conflicts in regions like Israel/Palestine often have deep historical and religious roots.

4. Breakdown of Law and Order

Explanation: In failed or weak states, law enforcement may be unable or unwilling to prevent violence,

allowing religious militias or mobs to act with impunity.

Example: Religious riots often escalate in regions with corrupt or absent security forces.

5. Propaganda and Misinformation

Explanation: The spread of false information about religious groups through media or social networks can

incite hatred and violence.

Example: Online hate speech or rumors have been linked to religious riots in countries like India and Sri

Lanka.

CONSEQUENCES OF RELIGION VIOLENCE

The consequences of religious violence can be far-reaching and devastating. Here are some of the most

significant consequences:

1. Loss of life: Religious violence can result in significant human loss, injury, and death.

2. Displacement and refugees: Violence can lead to forced migration, displacement, and refugee crises.

3. Destruction of property: Religious violence can result in the destruction of homes, buildings, and

infrastructure.

4. Social divisions: Religious violence can deepen social divisions and create tensions between communities.

5. Economic instability: Religious violence can lead to economic instability, including loss of livelihoods

and infrastructure damage.

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MEASURE TO PREVENT AND CURB RELIGION VIOLENCE IN NIGERIAN

Solving religious violence requires a multi-dimensional approach that addresses its root causes not just the

symptoms. Here are the main solutions to religious violence, along with explanations:

1. Strengthen Legal and Judicial Frameworks

Enforce existing laws: Ensure strict enforcement of laws against hate speech, incitement, and violence.

Establish special tribunals or courts: For swift prosecution of religious violence and hate crimes.

Impartial justice: Promote unbiased investigations and punish perpetrators regardless of religious affiliation.

2. Promote Interfaith Dialogue and Peace building

Community-based peace committees: Include leaders from various religions to mediate conflicts and

promote dialogue.

Interfaith education programs: Teach religious tolerance in schools and communities.

National unity campaigns: Encourage religious leaders to publicly denounce violence and promote peaceful

coexistence.

3. Address Root Causes

Tackle poverty and unemployment: Many religious crises are exacerbated by economic frustration and

youth unemployment.

Equitable resource distribution: Reduce feelings of marginalization among religious or ethnic groups.

Address political manipulation: Prevent politicians from exploiting religious sentiments for political gain.

4. Strengthen Security and Intelligence

Improve intelligence gathering: Monitor and intercept hate speech or plans for violence on social media and

in communities.

Community policing: Engage local communities in preventing and reporting potential religious violence.

Protect religious sites: Ensure equal security for all religious gatherings and worship centers.

5. Education and Awareness

Curriculum reform: Include civic education that promotes religious tolerance, unity, and critical thinking.

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Media regulation and training: Prevent biased or inflammatory religious reporting and promote responsible

journalism.

Grassroots campaigns: Use NGOs and youth organizations to promote coexistence and debunk extremist

ideologies.

6. Empower Civil Society and Religious Institutions

Support NGOs: Fund peace building initiatives and conflict resolution training.

Train religious leaders: Help imams, pastors, and traditional leaders understand their role in promoting peace.

Involve women and youth: Empower often overlooked groups in conflict resolution and peace building.

7. National Policy and Institutional Support

Establish a national commission on religious harmony: With legal backing to intervene in emerging conflicts.

Implement the National Peace Policy: Strengthen national frameworks to manage religious and ethnic

diversity.

Regular interreligious summits: Organize periodic dialogues at the state and national levels.

Conclusion
Religious violence in Nigerian remains a deeply rooted and complex issue, driven not only by faith based

differences but also by political, ethic, and socio-economic tensions. While religion is often is used to justify

or fuel violence, it is rarely the sole cause. The Clashes between Christian and Muslim Communities, the

rise of extremist groups like Boko Haram, and the manipulation of religious identities for political gain have

all contributed to a cycle of distrust and conflict.

To move forward, Nigerian must embrace inclusive governance, promote interfaith dialogue, strengthen

education, and ensure justice and security for all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. Only through

collective effort and mutual respect can the nation break the cycle of violence and build a more peaceful,

united future.