The negative security impacts of hate speech in Nigeria

Abstract

Most conflicts in Nigeria are consequences of hate speech, marginalization anddivisions along religious and ethnic lines. Using qualitative content analysis, thispaper sets out to highlight cases of hate speech and the consequent impact on peace inNigeria and on its peacekeeping efforts. Results show the dangerous role of the mediain broadcasting hate speech and its contagious multiplier effects: the impunity oftraditional rulers; the failure of effective prosecution and the need to temporarilywithdraw Nigerian troops from peacekeeping missions. It further makesrecommendations towards ideas on how Nigeria could effectively address theunderlying issues towards preventing hate crime and achieving better conflictresolution mechanisms.