In Defence of God and Religion: A Historical Analysis of Killings in God’s Name in Nigeria since c. 1980 A.D.

Abstract

Religious violence, championed by some religious sects, have been a major threat to national security in Nigeria since the 1980. Some of these includes: Maitatsine crisis in Kano, 1980, Bullum-Kutu 1982, Maiduguri 1982, Yola, 1984, Ilorin 1984, Bauchi 1984, Ilorin 1987, Kano 1984, Kafanchan 1987, Zuru 1980, Birnin Kebbi 1990, Katsina 1991, Tafawa Balewa 1991, Kano 1991, Jalingo 1992, Kaduna Polytechnic 1992, Kasuwar Magani (Kaduna) 1994, Gure Kahugu 1987, Kafanchan 1987, 1999, Kaduna since 1987,  Jos 2001, Kano 2001 (against the US decision to invade Afghanistan in 2001), Tafawa Balewa (since 2000), Nasarawa 2001, the Danish Cartoon  incidence 2005,Jos since 2001, Damaturu, 2011, Boko Haram siege since 2009 among others.  This most often has led to reprisal attacks in other parts of the country. The reason put forward by some of these sects for such violence is that they are doing it in defense of God and the sanctity of their religion. The result has always been the destruction of lives and properties, with the major religions in the country (Christianity and Islam) bearing huge casualty. This paper therefore seeks to carry out a historical analysis of destructions of lives and properties carried out in the name of God in Nigeria since c.1980.

Keywords:  God, Religion, Religious Violence, Nigeria