Historical Context and Roots of Religious Violence
- Religious violence in Nigeria dates back
to at least 1953, with tensions between Christian and Muslim communities.
- The 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria
combined diverse ethnic and religious groups, intensifying conflicts,
especially in the Muslim-majority north and Christian-majority south.
- Introduction of Sharia law in 12
northern states since 1999 has exacerbated religious tensions, with punishments
for blasphemy and apostasy disproportionately affecting Christians.
Key Perpetrators: Boko Haram, Fulani Militants, and ISWAP
