HATE SPEECH AND ITS POTENTIAL TO RE-IGNITING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN KADUNA AND PLATEAU

Abstract

The persistent dissemination of hate speech by religious leaders on social media poses a significant threat to Christians-Muslims relations in Kaduna and Plateau States. Although recent developments suggest an improvement in interreligious relations, the increasing prevalence of hate speech presents the potential to reigniting religious conflicts in Kaduna and Plateau states. Despite this, little is known about the role of religious leaders in disseminating hate speech on social media. This paper aims to examine the prevalence of hate speech and its potential to reigniting religious conflicts in Kaduna and Plateau, presenting a cautionary signal for Christian-Muslim relations. The paper adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Content analysis was also used to analyse the content of hate speeches by religious leaders on social media. Findings reveal that religious leaders are major actors in spreading hate speech on social media, which fuels resentment and hostility between Christians and Muslims. The hate speech presents the potential to reigniting religious conflicts in Kaduna and Plateau. The paper concluded that, despite the current state of improved Christian-Muslim relations, relative peace, and mutual trust among adherents of both faiths in Kaduna and Plateau, the spread of hate speech threatens to undermine these gains. Unless religious leaders desist from propagating hate, there is a risk of reigniting the violent religious conflicts that have plagued the states in the past. The paper recommends that government authorities should enact and enforce laws to penalize religious leaders who incite hatred through social media.