UNIT 3: Religion and Society in Nigeria 3.1 Religious Landscape Nigeria is roughly equally divided between Christians (predominantly in the South) and Muslims (predominantly in the North), with adherents of Traditional African Religion found throughout the country. This makes Nigeria one of the world's most religiously sensitive nations. • Christianity: Introduced by European missionaries in the 19th century. Major denominations: Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal/Charismatic. Strongest in Southeast and Southwest. • Islam: Arrived in Nigeria via trans-Saharan trade routes by the 11th century. Expanded through the Sokoto Jihad of Usman Dan Fodio (1804). Dominant in the North. • Traditional African Religion: Indigenous spiritual systems centered on ancestor veneration, nature spirits, and community rituals. Continue alongside Christianity and Islam. 3.2 Religion and Conflict While religion itself does not cause conflict, it is frequently mobilized as a marker of identity in political and resource conflicts. Key religion-related conflicts: • Sharia Law Controversy (2000): Twelve Northern states introduced Sharia criminal law after the return to democracy, provoking violent reactions and mass migration of Christians from the North. • Boko Haram: Translates roughly as 'Western education is forbidden.' The group seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate governed by strict Sharia law. • Kaduna Conflicts: Recurring violence between Christian and Muslim communities in Kaduna state, with thousands killed. 3.3 Interfaith Peacebuilding in Nigeria Many Nigerians — including religious leaders — actively work to build bridges across religious divides: • The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC): A joint body of Christian and Muslim leaders working for peaceful