Religious Extremism and Moral Evil in North-Eastern Nigeria: Implications of Violent Extremism in the Nigerian Society

Abstract

The various categories of moral evil associated with some contemporary extremists' religious ideologies have continued to raise fundamental questions about the purpose of religion in human life the world over. In Nigeria, the Northeastern region has recorded the worst form of moral evil in recent years due to religious extremism. Therefore, this essay explored the phenomenon of religious extremism to underscore how it has occasioned large-scale moral evil in North-eastern Nigeria. Data were obtained from existing literature, media reports and observation of the contemporary religious situation in the Northeastern region. Historical, content, critical and constructive methods of analysis were utilized for data interpretation. Two major religious extremist sects (Boko Haram and ISWAP) are largely responsible for most of the moral evil in north-eastern Nigeria. These two extremist groups have continued to abduct, dehumanize, displace and kill innocent people across the northeastern region in the name of God. This paper submits that religious extremists should eschew violent extremism and embrace the philosophy of peace, love and tolerance in the practice of their religious beliefs for the common good of all.