This snapshot is intended to offer an overview of inter-religious issues present in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, identifying emerging narratives, key actors, tactics, or techniques used in conversations related to communal clashes and religious groups. The overview is the fifth in a series of social media analytical reports by the Build Up and local partners that seek to empower youths in Bauchi, Plateau, and Gombe to advance inter-religious tolerance and freedom of religion. The report was written by Allan Cheboi and Mira El Mawla.
Executive Summary
The following are the main findings of Build Up’s social media analysis in the month of November:
- Limited inter-religious violence in November: After burning of churches and several ongoing violent incidents across religious and tribal lines in Plateau state and beyond, November showed a low number of day-to-day herdsmen/farmer violence and ethno-religious killings, particularly as news coverage on social media within the three chosen states for this analysis: Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau.
- Social Media Dynamics: Social media platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok exhibit varying levels of activity and engagement on sensitive issues, with misinformation and disinformation—particularly around topics like the Biafra movement—posing significant challenges. Discussions often fuel polarisation, as stereotyping and prejudice are prevalent in comments and interactions, highlighting the role of social media in deepening divisions.
- State-Specific Observations: Plateau State discussions remain centred on the 2023 massacre, with limited engagement on government pages addressing security issues, while Gombe State experiences high levels of polarisation marked by stereotyping and prejudice in online discussions. In Bauchi State, the suspension of the Zaar festival has sparked significant outcry, alongside concerns over prioritising mosque construction over education.
Influencers and CSOs can monitor polarising content, expand the scope of analysis regionally and over time, scrutinise influential actors, and leverage fact-checking resources to effectively counter misinformation.
The section below expands on the core narratives, the main actors identified and the main social media channels used to propagate them. At the end of the report, we make suggestions for particular narratives or techniques that warrant ongoing monitoring.