Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – In a deeply religious country like Nigeria, being unaffiliated with any particular religion can come with its own set of challenges. Those who identify as religiously unaffiliated, often referred to as atheists or non-believers, face attacks and threats from various religious groups.
“It has not been easy. I have faced a lot of challenges. One of them is people can’t really understand the fact that an entire human being will just wake up and say he or she doesn’t believe in God,” says John Adekunle, an atheist living in Lagos.
While religious freedom is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, the reality is different for those who do not adhere to any religious belief. The country is predominantly Christian and Muslim, with religious practices deeply rooted in everyday life. This leaves the religiously unaffiliated feeling marginalized and ostracized.
In recent years, there has been a rise in cases of attacks and threats against non-believers. Just last month, a group of non-believers in Abuja were physically attacked by a mob after expressing their views online. The attackers accused them of blasphemy and deemed their lack of faith as a threat to the moral fabric of society.
Experts argue that these attacks and threats are fueled by a lack of understanding and tolerance towards those who hold different beliefs or lack thereof. Professor Amina Ibrahim, a religious studies scholar at the University of Lagos, explains, “Nigeria is a religiously diverse country, and it is important for us to respect the rights and beliefs of all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof.”
The government has been criticized for not doing enough to protect the religiously unaffiliated. Human rights organizations have called on the authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Nigeria’s religious leaders also have a role to play in fostering tolerance and acceptance. Reverend Mark Okafor, a Christian leader in Abuja, believes that dialogue and open-mindedness can bridge the gap between religious groups and the religiously unaffiliated. “We need to engage in peaceful conversations and create spaces for understanding. It is through empathy and respect that we can foster a more inclusive society.”
As Nigeria continues to grapple with religious tensions, it is crucial for the government, religious leaders, and civil society to work together to protect the rights and safety of all citizens. Only by fostering a culture of tolerance and respect can the religiously unaffiliated find acceptance in a deeply religious country like Nigeria.
In the words of John Adekunle, “We are Nigerians too, and we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of our religious beliefs.” It is time for Nigeria to live up to its promise of religious freedom for all and ensure the safety of its religiously unaffiliated citizens.
