Religio-Political Situation in Northern Nigeria: The Limits of the Law and the Fault Lines in Christian Response to Islam

Abstract

This paper explores the complex religio-political underpinnings of the systematic attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria's Middle Belt region, which have resulted in the displacement of thousands, loss of lives, and destruction of numerous churches. It analyses historical patterns of persecution and ideological motives behind the subjugation of Christians in Northern Nigeria, revealing the sophisticated and systematic nature of the attacks, which bear characteristics of ethno-religious cleansing. The paper challenges the oversimplication of the conict as solely driven by environmental degradation, migration, or land disputes, highlighting targeted violence against ethnic and religious minorities, particularly indigenous Christian farmers. It also critiques the distortion of facts and lack of mainstream media coverage, and the limitations of legal frameworks and fault lines in the Christian response to the escalating violence and persecution.