Reclaiming Peace: Exploring Igbo Religious Capital and the Emerging Culture of Violence in Southeastern Nigeria
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): Happiness Kodichinma Ogiri — Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Ikechukwu Maxwell Ukandu — Department of Religions and Intercultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Veritas University, Abuja
Tags: 2025 Nsukka University of Nigeria Abuja Enugu State Happiness Kodichinma Ogiri Ikechukwu Maxwell Ukandu Veritas University
Abstract
For about a decade, the South-East geo-political zone of Nigeria has been plagued by persistent insecurity, resulting in a profound peace and security crisis. Kidnappings, ritual killings, sporadic attacks, herders’ invasions, dogged separatist agitations and counter-military operations are recurrent decimals across Igbo communities. The frequency and duration of such acts of violence have given the situation a protracted and cultural status. This emerging culture of violence in the Southeastern region has shaken the religio-cultural and moral fibres of Igbo society to its roots, with diverse unsustainable attempts made to address the menace. Regrettably, the religious capital derivable from the Igbo indigenous religion has not been given adequate attention as a framework to curtail this anomaly. Hence, this study explores the complex relationships between Igbo religious capital, cultural norms, and the culture of violence in Southeastern Nigeria. Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural capital theory will be adopted in this study. Drawing on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions across three selected states of the zone, this study will investigate how Igbo religious (spiritual, social and cultural) capital can be mobilized to curb the perpetuation of violence and distort the values that are manipulated to legitimize violent behaviour in the region. Thematic and descriptive analysis will constitute our method of data analysis. It is envisaged that pragmatic recommendations will be drawn logically from the findings that could provide insights into the ways in which peace can be reclaimed and sustained in Southeastern Nigeria.
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