Islam and ethnicity: The case study of Ombatse crisis 2011-2015 in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53840/alirsyad.v4i1.45Keywords:
Islam, Ethnicity, Ombatse, Crises, Nasarawa StateAbstract
This paper examines the activities of the Ombatse cult group and the violent conflicts that occurred as a result of their activities, which took place in some parts of Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2015. The aim of the study is to portray how Islam is against ethnic bigotry. It also intends solutions based on Islamic teachings on how to resolve disputes, especially those that are ethnically related. It also discussed its effects on Islam and Muslims in the State. The paper found out that peace is one of the basic tools for the development of any society, as Islam encourages peaceful co-existence among/between Muslims and non-Muslims, as well as co-existence among other ethnic nationalities, as Islam prohibits ethnicity and nationalism. Therefore, the paper further revealed that the major actors who participated in the crisis were predominately Muslim youths from the ethnic groups involved in the violent conflict. The research also unveils the context and undertone that precipitated the establishment and those who financed the activities of the Ombatse group in the areas studied. Regarding methodology, this study utilises a qualitative technique. In-Depth Interviews (IDI) were conducted to obtain data for the study. The study concludes that some Muslims who are ignorant of the basic tenets of Islam were easily brainwashed to show allegiance to their ethnic identity rather than Islam. The Ombatse mobilised support along ethnic lines in order to achieve the hidden political motives of those who initiated the cult group.
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Copyright (c) 2019 Jibrin Yusuf Danladi, Muhammad Maga Sule
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