Nigeria continues to face serious challenges in safeguarding religious freedom, especially in the face of rising violent extremism. Nigeria is ranked seventh on the 2025 World Watch List as one of the worst places for Christians to live. Radical ideologies, weak institutions, and deep-rooted social divisions have created an atmosphere where individuals—particularly religious minorities—are at constant risk. Extremist groups often manipulate religious beliefs to justify violence, recruit followers, and stoke division. Meanwhile, government efforts to address these threats are frequently underfunded or inconsistent, sometimes eroding public trust. The lack of justice for victims of religiously motivated attacks only worsens the cycle of fear and retaliation.
In Nigeria, researching and documenting violence caused by religious differences and general insecurity is essential. The country has long struggled with complex tensions tied to religion, ethnicity, and regional instability, making the need for reliable, ongoing research more urgent than ever. However, documenting such violence is often difficult due to a lack of access to conflict zones, fear of retaliation, limited press freedom, and the politicization of religious narratives. Witnesses may be reluctant to speak out, and accurate data collection is further hindered by poor infrastructure and inconsistent government transparency.
To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to understand the foundational role that research and documentation play in responding to religious and insecurity-driven violence.
- Establishing Factual Baselines and Historical Records
Careful research helps us understand the causes and patterns of violence. By documenting events accurately, we not only preserve the stories of victims but also lay the groundwork for justice. These historical records ensure that abuses are not forgotten and provide evidence for future legal action or reconciliation. - Informing Public Discourse and Countering Misinformation
Misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric often fuel violence. By providing verified facts, researchers and civil society organizations can help promote truth, reduce fear, and guide meaningful conversations. This is especially important in communities where tensions can quickly escalate. - Influencing Policy and Legislative Action
Solid data gives advocates and lawmakers the tools they need to create better policies. Whether it’s improving security, reforming the justice system, or developing peace education programs, reliable research can guide smarter, more compassionate decisions. - Holding the Government Accountable
When violence occurs, the public has a right to know what went wrong. Documenting these incidents with clarity and accuracy empowers communities to demand justice and reform. It also puts pressure on authorities to take responsibility and protect all citizens, regardless of their faith. - International Advocacy and Human Rights Engagement
Well-documented reports reach beyond Nigeria’s borders. They inform global human rights organizations and governments, prompting them to offer support, exert diplomatic pressure, or provide aid. This kind of international attention can lead to real change on the ground. - Supporting Transitional Justice and Reconciliation
Healing after violence is a long process. Documentation helps communities tell their stories and seek justice. This can lead to truth commissions, public apologies, or other steps toward reconciliation, giving victims and survivors a chance to be heard and respected. - Building Community Resilience and Peace Initiatives
The most lasting peace comes from within. Research helps identify what already works—local leaders, traditional conflict resolution methods, and faith-based peacebuilding—and supports these efforts. By building on local strengths, communities can reduce the risk of future violence.
Conclusion
In the second half of 2025, 21Wilberforce, along with our Nigerian partners, will facilitate a strategic planning session on collaboration to pursue joint field research and documentation in the Middle Belt. For this initiative, 21Wilberforce will coach local partners and assist in developing local know-how for human rights field research.
“Incessant violence in Nigeria has caused profound loss, yet specific documentation of victims remains scarce, undermining policy and advocacy” said Dr. Adeboye Godwin, a distinguished Nigerian theologian and academic who serves as the founder of the Theo-Sight Institute and the Director of Research and Innovations at Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Theological Seminary in Igbaja, Nigeria. “While oral tradition is valued, effective human rights action requires written records. 21Wilberforce’s commitment to Indigenous advocacy is timely and vital. At Theo-Sight Research and Advocacy, we share this vision. Our collaboration, including a joint documentation-for-advocacy workshop in Fall 2025, is a critical step toward empowering Nigerian communities through research and strategic action.”
Nigeria’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, but only if people of different faiths and backgrounds can live together in peace and dignity. A more tolerant, peaceful Nigeria is achievable through collaboration and resilience. Legal protections for religious rights must be enforced, and security forces should be trained to act impartially. Community-led peace efforts and interfaith dialogue can heal divisions and build mutual understanding. Education that promotes civic responsibility and respect for diversity is also key. To achieve forward progress, these efforts must be supported by citizens, religious leaders and communities, the media, and the international community.