The activities of the Boko Haram sects in Nigeria have negatively affected the Nigerian society. The socio-economic, political and religious aspects of the Nigerian society have a lot due to the activities of the Boko Haram sects especially in the northern parts of Nigeria. The Bishop of Kaduna Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Reverend Josiah Idowu-Fearon, observed that violence and insurgency has destroyed the economic, social and religious lives of the people of Kaduna State. This can also be said of all the Boko Haram stricken states in northern Nigeria. He pointed out that "The entire North-east of the country, Jos and Kano are almost completely isolated economically, socially and politically…"
This essay outlines and discusses some of the impacts of the Boko Haram sects on both the Church and the society in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Social Impact of Boko Haram on the Church and Society
3. The Political Impact of Boko Haram on the Church and Society
4. The Religious Impact of Boko Haram on the Church and Society
5. Economic Impact of Boko Haram on the Church and Society
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This essay explores the multifaceted impact of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, focusing on how these activities have severely disrupted the socio-economic, political, and religious structures of the nation, particularly in the northern regions.
- Analysis of social disruptions, including educational and migration impacts.
- Examination of political instability and security challenges posed to the Nigerian state.
- Evaluation of the impact on religious practices, church attendance, and worship safety.
- Assessment of the economic fallout, including business closures and loss of national revenue.
Excerpt from the Book
The Social Impact of Boko Haram on the Church and Society
Social gatherings and activities are banned or cancelled due to fear of attacks either with guns/machetes or with bombs. People move in the Boko Haram controlled and/or stricken areas with fear of being attacked any time anywhere. Boko Haram activities have made “suspicious and rumour of attack [a]s the easiest information to spread within North-Eastern Zone of Nigeria.”2 The Durbar festival in Kano for example was cancelled in 2012 because of the security challenge posed by the Boko Haram sect.
The educational level of the Boko Haram stricken states has dropped drastically as many students have been kidnapped, tortured, raped and even murdered while in school or on their way to school, and many schools have been destroyed. This has led to a high number of school drops out in the northern states. N.I.O &D.L-B observed that the Boko Haram menace has led to an “increase of destitution in some parts of Nigeria and the closure of many schools in Borno and Yobe states.”3 This has delayed the promotion and graduation of many students in schools.
The population of the Boko Haram stricken states has drastically reduced due to deaths and migration. The standard of living of these states has also been affected because of the closure of many business premises and the difficulty of accessing farm produce. N.I.O &D.L-B again observed that “another serious consequence of this problem is its effect on the population of Borno and Yobe states. Life in northern Nigeria is no longer the way it used to be and this is truly sad.”4
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: The introduction outlines the negative impact of Boko Haram activities on the socio-economic, political, and religious aspects of Nigerian society, specifically in the northern regions.
The Social Impact of Boko Haram on the Church and Society: This chapter details how the insurgency has caused widespread fear, disrupted social life, closed schools, and forced mass migration within the affected states.
The Political Impact of Boko Haram on the Church and Society: This section examines the security challenges posed by the insurgency, including the restriction of movement, the strain on government resources, and the interference with political governance and democracy.
The Religious Impact of Boko Haram on the Church and Society: This chapter highlights the direct threat to Christians and church institutions, discussing how violence has affected worship attendance and the overall atmosphere for evangelism.
Economic Impact of Boko Haram on the Church and Society: This chapter analyzes the devastating economic consequences, including business failures, loss of trade, high unemployment, and the long-term struggle for recovery in northern Nigeria.
Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the enduring pain and suffering caused by the insurgency and stresses the need for government action to protect citizens and for the Church to remain steadfast in its mission.
Keywords
Boko Haram, Nigeria, Insurgency, Social Impact, Political Instability, Religious Persecution, Economic Decline, Church, Education, Terrorism, Security, Migration, Humanitarian Crisis, Northern Nigeria, Democracy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the negative impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on the socio-economic, political, and religious landscape of Nigeria.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The work focuses on social disruption, security challenges, religious persecution, and the economic devastation caused by the insurgency in northern Nigeria.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary objective is to outline and discuss the specific ways in which Boko Haram activities have negatively affected both the Church and the broader Nigerian society.
Which methodology is employed in this research?
The author uses a descriptive and analytical approach, drawing on documented observations, reports, and news articles to assess the impact of the insurgency.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the social, political, religious, and economic consequences of the insurgency across different Nigerian states.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Boko Haram, Nigeria, Insurgency, Social Impact, Political Instability, Religious Persecution, and Economic Decline.
How has the insurgency specifically impacted the Nigerian educational system?
The insurgency has led to school closures, the kidnapping and murder of students, and a sharp increase in school dropouts due to the fear and destruction of infrastructure.
What effect has the violence had on the economy of Borno State?
Borno State, once a commercial hub, has seen its economy suffer a "state of coma" due to business closures, abandoned markets, and a lack of buyers for local products.
Why has the insurgency affected the performance of the government?
The government's performance has been hindered by the need to divert significant resources toward security operations, as well as the difficulty in fulfilling political campaign promises due to the chaos created by the insurgency.
How has the Church responded to the threats of violence?
Many churches have implemented security measures such as barricades, security gadgets, and the use of volunteers at gates, although these measures often divert resources from core activities like evangelism.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Longji Ayuba Dachal (Autor:in), 2015, The Impact of Boko Haram on Church and Society in Nigeria, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/388005
