Religious Fanaticism and Changing Patterns of Violent Crime in Nigeria

Abstract

Fanaticism has brewed into different forms in the Nigerian context – and the gravest is religious fanaticism. It has taken hold of most clans, religions, and ethnic groups across Nigeria. Religion has always existed in Nigerian societies and also has fanaticism but the level of violence precipitated by this fanaticism is apparently unprecedented. This paper journeys into the beginning of religious fanaticism in Nigeria and its changing patterns of violence. It highlights the root causes of religious violence in Nigeria and visible patterns in this violence. The paper adopted structural-functionalism theoretical formation and gathered data from textbooks, e-books, journals, online articles, newspapers, and magazines. At the end, the paper recommends that Nigerian governments initiate comprehensive programs to reconcile the religious differences that have evolved over time between Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religions.

An Appraisal of Religious Fanaticism and the Imperative of the Dialogue of Life and Tolerance in Nigeria

“…The forced conversion to Islam in some Nigerian communities in history, like the ancient Hausa states by Shehu Usman Dan Fodio in the 19th century, stemmed from and was inspired by religious fanaticism, which also led to the loss of lives and property and the infringement of the rights of people within the context of religious affiliation (Ushe, 2012). Still on Islamic fanaticism in Nigeria, one finds a situation where a Nigerian Islamic cleric purportedly ordered his followers to kill a Christian woman who does early morning preaching in her neighbourhood in July 2016 (Enweonwu et al, 2021). This is undoubtedly an act inspired by a fanatical temper because the Muslims also call adherents of their religions to pray at dawn as much as the woman also wakes up for her 'morning cry'.…”

A critical analysis of the impact of religion on the Nigerian struggle for nationhood

“…The highly praised action died a premature death as his successor, Sanusi Lamido, (now the Emir of Kano) immediately brought back the inscriptions as he took over. He also introduced Islamic banking, which also invalidates Nigeria's claim to secularity (Enweonwu et al 2021). As Nigerians frowned upon this controversial action, he merely advised any aggrieved person to go to court.…”

“…The most recent threat of forcing Islam on Nigerians now is the current trend of Islamic Fulani herdsmen from Northern Nigeria, invading all states and communities of Southern Nigeria, the predominantly Christian region, asking people to join Islam or face the music (Enweonwu et al 2021). People wake up in the morning and see hundreds of these Fulani herdsmen in their farmlands with their cattle and powerful rifles.…”

“…It is drawn from the Bible and also found in different ecclesiastical documents. It tells Christians what to do in different situations they may find themselves (Enweonwu et al 2021;Ezeanya & Ajah 2021).…”

“…The carnal approach to love goes with the disposition of 'love until it begins to hurt', but the Christian approach is 'love, even when it hurts'. This perpetual obligation to love often makes Christians wrongly think that the commandment of love renders them helpless and defenseless in the face of danger and threats to life (Enweonwu et al 2021;Ezeanya & Ajah 2021). Christianity allows its believers to defend themselves against unjust oppression.…”