DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2015.v03i02.018

Pages: 461-470

The study examined the influence the activities of the terrorist group; Boko Haram have on Priests and Religious in Jos Catholic Ecclesiastical Province of Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative research paradigm. It was specifically a phenomenological study and it used environmental triangulation in its design. In-depth interview guide consisting of six research questions was mainly used for data collection. The sample size of the study consisted of 21 respondents; 7 Religious Brothers, 7 Religious Sisters and 7 Priests. The result of the study revealed that a lot of Churches, Schools and Hospitals have been burnt down and Community Houses closed. Priests and Religious are internally displaced and many are traumatized. They live in fear and work with a lot of anxiety due to insecurity. However, on the positive side, it has created an opportunity for martyrdom. The study therefore concluded that Religious Freedom is far-fetched in Jos Catholic Ecclesiastical Province. Also, that the right to life and pursuit of happiness is denied. The implication of this is discouragement in religious affairs and tendency towards violence and aggression among Priests and Religious. In order to checkmate this, the study generally recommended that the Government should revisit its security strategy so as to promote religious liberty for all.