Militarization of religion in Nigeria issues and perspective

Abstract EN

-Religion has occupied a strategic position in the life of many nations.

It serves as an instrument of fostering unity and socio-political stability.

However, in Nigeria, interreligious conflict has remained a critical factor among the numerous challenges threatening the coexistence of the nation as a functional entity.

The incessant militarization of religion in Nigeria has reached alarming dimensions hence the need to unearth the remote and immediate issues underpinning the menace.

This paper seeks to identify the causes of the dramatic increase of religious violence in Nigeria, its cumulative effect and to suggest ways for promoting peace for national development.

Specifically the causes of religious crisis in Plateau State in Central Nigeria; the internal and external connections to North East insurgency were briefly highlighted.

It is the opinion of this paper that the trend of religious crises in Nigeria were triggered by socioeconomic and political realities, occasioned by the manifest drought of good governance, systemic failure and disrespect for rules of engagement.

The paper suggests among other things the proactive measures in tackling religious violence in Nigeria.