This report is intended to offer an overview of inter-religious issues present in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, identifying emerging narratives, key actors, tactics, or techniques used in conversations related to communal clashes and religious groups. The overview is the fourth in a series of social media analytical reports by the Build Up and local partners that seek to empower youths in Bauchi, Plateau, and Gombe to advance inter-religious tolerance and freedom of religion. The report was written by Allan Cheboi, Data and Digital Technology lead at Build Up.
Executive Summary
The following are the main findings of Build Up’s social media analysis in the month of October:
- Polarising Historical Narratives: Narratives in Plateau State, such as claims of Fulani expansionism and historical grievances, deepen ethnic and religious divides. These received substantial engagement, such as 48,600 views, highlighting their resonance with the public.
- Positive Counter-Narratives: Stories of interfaith harmony, such as a church and mosque sharing a wall in Jos, emerged as examples of peaceful coexistence. However, they received lower engagement compared to divisive narratives.
- Religious and Political Tensions: In Bauchi and Gombe, debates over Sharia law, religious representation, and leadership sparked polarisation. Posts questioning Christian inclusivity in politics and framing governance issues as religious conflicts perpetuated distrust.
- Economic Challenges Framed Religiously: Economic issues like the high cost of rice in Gombe were linked to religious politics, creating a narrative of failed Muslim leadership, with minimal but potent engagement.
- Global Religious Solidarity: Posts praising Iran’s Islamic leadership and addressing religious persecution in Plateau and Bauchi amplified intra-religious unity but risked alienating other religious groups.
- Inspirational Stories: Celebrations of achievements, such as Hajara Dan’azumi’s recognition as a global Quran reciter, provided a counter-narrative to divisive content but had comparatively low engagement.
We recommend that Influencers and CSOs should amplify positive interfaith narratives, counter divisive content with fact-based messaging, and engage religious leaders and grassroots initiatives to promote unity and dialogue while addressing shared socio-economic challenges.
The section below expands on the core narratives, the main actors identified and the main social media channels used to propagate them. At the end of the report, we make suggestions for particular narratives or techniques that warrant ongoing monitoring.