Ufahamu: A Journal of African Studies

This article situates the notion of ethnicity as one key defining component upon which communities within Nigeria appear to divide and sustain themselves, particularly in light of the current fear of insurgency. In doing so, reference is made to the concept of the ‘other’: being ethnically, culturally and religiously distinct from the major ethnic groups within the country. Some key implications of this trend in terms of fear and societal exclusion are explained. The discussion is situated within the broader context of community, ethnicity and insurgency within Nigeria. The following is not a discussion of insurgency; rather, it is an exploration of issues that galvanize some communities whilst provoking an attitude of suspicion toward others. It is argued that attempts to deconstruct diversity in favor of enforcing a singular cultural identity inherently links difference to fear and, by doing so, risks further polarizing communities within Nigeria.