‘Its’ like being a Christian is tantamount to victimisation’: A Qualitative study of Christian experiences and perceptions of insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria

Insecurity and terrorism poses global concern. Central to this concern is how the Christian self and identity are experienced in relation to Nigeria’s ongoing terrorist threat. Informed by data from 63 Christian participants recruited in Nigeria, this study makes an original contribution by demystifying how personal experiences fuel perceived victimisation. These include religious insecurity and fear, insecurity as a targeted ploy to undermine the Christian identity and shared identity as a safe space—all of which appears to reinforce the sense of being victimised and an object of domination by the perceived Muslim “superior other”. The study recommends an improved policy that addresses the identified challenges to positively enhance existing Christian-Muslim relations, including confidence in the government.