Open AccessNIGERIA: RELIGIOUS CONFLICT AND THE BOKO HARAM
Author(s) -
Michael Aondona Chiangi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
conflict studies quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2285-7605
DOI - 10.24193/csq.37.1
Subject(s) - sect , boko haram , islam , ideology , mandate , government (linguistics) , politics , religious studies , terrorism , political science , religious conflict , sociology , criminology , law , insurgency , theology , philosophy , linguistics
"Religious conflicts have increased interfaith suspicion between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria with each group being determined to outshine the other in the propagation of its religious beliefs. In fact, even Islamic sect Boko Haram was formed on the belief in the superiority of Islam as a monotheistic religion and with a divine mandate to purge Islam of Western influences. This paper examines the complex issues surrounding the advent of the Boko Haram sect in Nigeria. It argues that religious conflict in Nigeria results from the propagation of radicalized exegeses and the use of religious sentiments for gain political advantage. Government’s failure to act decisively also accounts for religious conflict in Nigeria and the Boko Haram in particular. Keywords: Boko Haram, conflict, religion, ideology, violence, Islam."