Fuelling the Flames: Boko Haram and Deteriorating Christian–Muslim Relations in Nigeria

Abstract

At present, the Boko Haram terrorism marks a major threat to the survival of Nigeria. Since the beginning of Boko Haram's terrorist activities in 2009, a body of literature is increasingly emerging in the research community with an array of analyses of the phenomenon from various dimensions. However, there has not been any useful analysis on the implications of Boko Haram for existing relations between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. This study, therefore, aims to contribute to the literature by demonstrating how Boko Haram has heightened the historical tension between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. This study shows the different patterns of conflicts between the religious groups in the era of Boko Haram which border on their different perspectives on the sponsors and agenda of the group, the principal targets of the group, and the counter-terrorism strategy to fight the group. Following this, the study illustrates a number of violent clashes that have emerged from the conflicts between the religious groups. Given evidence provided in the paper suggesting that Boko Haram marks an enemy to both Christians and Muslims, the authors advocate unity between the religious groups to address the problem of Boko Haram.