Understanding the Twists and Turns of Terrorism Among Muslims in the Nigerian Experience: an Assessment
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Journal of Religion and Theology Volume 2, Issue 1, 2018, PP 1-15 Understanding the Twists and Turns of Terrorism among Muslims in the Nigerian Experience: An Assessment Ojo Joseph Rapheal Department of Religion and African Culture, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B. 001, Akungba, Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, West Africa *Corresponding Authors: Ojo Joseph Rapheal, Department of Religion and African Culture, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B. 001, Akungba, Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, West Africa ABSTRACT The history of humanity is replete with different acts of terrorism across ages and civilizations which takes different forms but fundamentally, they reflect man‟s inhumanity to man. Basically, different ideologies form the basis for such heinous acts. Nigeria, being a pluralistic society that is predominantly Muslims and Christians, has been faced with different forms of religious fundamentalism, extremism and terrorist attacks in the past four decades especially arising from some sects under the guise of promoting Islamic ideology for the establishment of „Islamic State‟ across the length and breadth of Nigeria. Engaging this issue through the historical, phenomenological and sociological research approaches, it was discovered that most of these acts of religious radicalism, extremism and terrorism are often hinged on religious and ideological manipulation, ignorance, poverty, absence of functional structure that promotes the operation of rule of law, thus increasing the frequency of violence and its effects. The work therefore recommended among other things the de-emphasizing of religious exclusivism, deconstruction of the age-long theologies of absolute truth claim, e.t.c. The conclusion of the work is that, dignity of humanity must take precedence over every religious contravening ideology that often leads to brutality and dehumanization of fellow human beings. Keywords: Terrorism, Muslims, Radicalism, Development, De-radicalization, Ideologies INTRODUCTION agitations, aspirations and even groups that have taken and still taking the form of terrorism and Humanity from the cradle has been faced with this can be categorized under different factors as different realities of life. Most times, these we shall see later in this work. realities have formed and shapened to a large extent man‘s actions, belief systems and also his The Nigerian experience on what can be seen as interaction with the society at large. As terrorism in the name of ‗religion‘ is now generally believed, man is a religious animal. becoming quite alarming because of the This position is predicated upon the fact that, nefarious acts of Boko Haram (an acclaimed there is no any society that exists, be it primitive Islamic sect). This therefore makes the Nigerian or civilized without one form of religion or the nation to be more troubled than any other other. This religious inclination of man has to a countries in the recent years within the Sub- large extent explains his life in totality. Man‘s Saharan African region under the stronghold of existence as well has been faced with some terrorist attacks. Perhaps, one of the reasons for nagging experiences which are both natural and this position in a way could be hinged on the human-made. fact that Nigeria‘s largest proportion of her population is predominantly Muslims and In the contemporary society, one of the major Christians. And in most cases, there exists threats to the human existence is the problem of mutual suspicion and mistrust among members terrorism, especially when this is done under the of these two major faiths in Nigeria. But one influence of religious radicalism. As a matter of major question in the mind of concerned people fact, the modern form of terrorism has debased is why is Nigeria bedevilled with these constant the essence of humanity, thus turning the world religious confrontations in this side of the clime at large into a theatre of war and brutality. and especially in its northern part that is Fundamentally, the Nigerian experience of this predominantly dominated by Muslims? phenomenon is such that has assumed different dimensions and being propelled by different In the past four decades in the Nigerian factors. For instance, there have been series of experience, one can count more than twenty Journal of Religion and Theology V2 ● I1 ● 2018 1 Understanding the Twists and Turns of Terrorism among Muslims in the Nigerian Experience: An Assessment major religious-related crises that have rocked A proper reflection on the position of Umar the nation. This can be seen from the skirmishes suggests the sincere stand of what religion of Maitatsine sect which began in the late stands for or what it should represent in the 1970‘s in Maiduguri and spread to other parts of human society. However, if one will further the region; and other religious crises including juxtapose such position with that of al-Zakzaky, some indigenous religious unrests like the case a renowned Islamic cleric, one would wonder of Ombatse group in Nasarawa State and other what if truly Umar is correct. According him, he inter-tribal wars or violence perpetrated under uncontrollably posits that: the influence of ‗indigenous spirituality‘ which Does the Nigerian constitution recognize the have left trails of tears and agony on the minds law of Allah? Does it recognise the Quran as the of many, and the present Boko Haram supreme law? A section of this constitution you insurgency that is rocking the nation. These are referring to says that its laws are supreme, crises often begin as social, ethnic or political whatever law that is not consistent with its misunderstandings and soon assume a religious provisions, are null and void. Now we know for dimension especially when not properly sure that the laws of that constitution run managed. contrary to the provisions of the Quran. So, Some have severally argued it that most of these according to Nigeria‘s constitution, the Quran is conflicts originate from tussles over control of null and void. And it will be a contradiction, for land, claims to settlers or political issues. Of anybody who accepts the law of the Quran course, poverty, unemployment, and insensitivity accepts Allah too, at the same time, accept the on the part of government that often leads to constitution of Nigeria ... We want Islam and no massive corruption and social injustice play power on earth can stop it.3 very significant factors. Unfortunately, these Given the above contradictions and what can be tensions are often baptized as conflicts between termed as a gross affront against the constituted the adherents of different religious faiths, authority especially in a religiously pluralistic especially between Christians and Muslims in society like Nigeria, this work therefore is set to Nigeria. ―It is somewhat trite, but nevertheless interrogate the place of religious radicalism, sadly true, to say that more wars have been manipulation, extremism and bigotry which waged, more people killed and these days, more form the basis for the present acts of terrorism evil perpetrated in the name of religion than by being witness in Nigeria. And since this has any other institutional force in history‖.1 There been the re-occurring decimal in the northern are many narratives suggesting the facts that region, a deliberate attempt shall be employed in Islam does not support violence. For instance, focusing on the northern part of Nigeria. Umar in his words maintains that; There is no religion I know of in this world that TERROISM: AN OVERVIEW advocates violence. On the contrary, all religions Terrorism in the human society is as old as man advocate peace, harmony, tolerance, patience, himself. The history of humanity is replete with understanding and good neighbourliness. In fact, different acts of terrorism across ages and Koran (sic) categorically states that even if civilizations. Most of these acts of terrorism unbelievers living amongst you who wish to live take different forms but, essentially speaking, in peace, you should by all means live in peace they all reflect man‘s inhumanity to man. In with them... And in effect, Islam teaches us that most cases, different ideologies form the basis there is no compulsion in religion... The Bible for such dastard acts in the human society. Some propagates the same phenomena of peace ... All are said to have been predicated upon religious, these are clear indication of the fact that both political, social or economical struggles. Islam and Christianity and indeed other religions The question of defining what terrorism means have as integral part of their fundamental in most times is rooted in ambiguity due to its objectives such virtues as peace, tolerance, nature. The difficulty in defining it is in mutual understanding and respect.2 agreement with the basis for determining when the use of violence (directed at whom, by 1 whom, for what ends) is legitimate; therefore, C. Kimball, When Religion becomes Evil. (San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2002), p.1 3 2 ―Governor Umar‘s Address to the Public, March 7, El-Zakzaky, ―I Do Not Respect the Constitution‖, 1987‖, in New Nigerian, 11 March, 1987, p.3 in Weekend Concord, 20 April, 1991. 2 Journal of Religion and Theology V2 ● I1 ● 2018 Understanding the Twists and Turns of Terrorism among Muslims in the Nigerian Experience: An Assessment the modern definition of terrorism is inherently has been unable to reach a decision on the controversial. The use of violence for the definition of terrorism exactly because of the achievement of political, economic, religious or conflicting interests of sovereign states that social ends is common to both state and non- determine in each and every instance how a state groups. This is because, political violence, particular armed movement (i.e. a non-state including terrorism, has systematic origins that actor) is labelled in regard to the terrorist- can be ameliorated.