Violence In Nigeria: The Crisis Of Religious Politics And Secular Ideologies

**Violence in Nigeria: The Crisis of Religious Politics and Secular Ideologies** stands as a seminal work by Toyin Falola, offering unparalleled insight into the complex tapestry of religious strife that has plagued Nigeria. This comprehensive study meticulously dissects the multifaceted causes, profound consequences, and potential pathways to resolution for religious violence and aggression within the nation. Falola's rigorous primary research delves deep into the intricate nexus between religion and politics, providing a granular examination of pivotal incidents from the 1980s and 1990s, including the notorious Maitatsine uprisings and the riots in Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Katsina. By identifying zones of religious tension and characterizing the general patterns of violence, the book illuminates critical issues within inter- and intra-religious relations, the dynamics between religious organizations and the state, and the key actors driving these conflicts. This monumental contribution to contemporary social and political history, accessible to both academics and general readers, is a quintessential testament to Toyin Falola's prolific scholarship. As the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities and a University Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Falola's extensive body of work, encompassing over a dozen books on Nigerian history, its people, religion, and politics, solidifies his reputation as a leading authority. **Violence in Nigeria** is an indispensable volume that exemplifies his commitment to understanding and explaining the historical and contemporary forces shaping the Nigerian experience, making it a crucial addition to any compilation of his best works.