Nigeria, a nation characterized by its rich tapestry of ethnic and religious diversity, has long grappled with the challenges of unity amid persistent ethnic conflicts. Recently, a deeply unsettling incident on social media has brought these tensions to the forefront, highlighting the dangerous potential of online platforms to amplify hate speech and incite violence.
On August 28, a TikTok livestream featuring a Nigerian-Canadian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, went viral for all the wrong reasons. In the video, she issued chilling threats against Nigerians of Yoruba and Bini descent living in Canada, claiming she would poison their food and water. Her words, laced with venom and anger, sent shockwaves through the online community, prompting widespread outrage and fear among the Nigerian diaspora.
The Yoruba, Nigeria’s second-largest ethnic group, and the Bini, indigenous to Edo State, found themselves at the center of a malicious discourse that transcended borders. Sonnberger’s threats were not just personal rants; they represented a broader issue of rising ethnic hostilities that have increasingly spilled over from local tensions to international platforms.
Public figures and organizations quickly condemned her remarks. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, publicly identified Sonnberger and called for action. The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Matters described her statements as a direct threat to millions of Nigerians, demanding an immediate investigation by Canadian authorities.
In the aftermath of the viral clip, Sonnberger was arrested on September 1 for making hate-motivated threats. However, she was released shortly after questioning and returned to social media, where she claimed her incendiary comments were a reaction to anti-Igbo sentiments she had encountered online. This defense sparked further debates about the root causes of ethnic tensions in Nigeria.
While many condemned Sonnberger’s actions, others argued that her outburst was a response to a pervasive culture of hate that has been directed toward the Igbo community. Conversations on social media revealed a troubling cycle of blame and retaliation among various ethnic groups, with many expressing fears for their safety and urging their children to avoid interactions with members of rival ethnicities.
This incident is not an isolated event but part of a long history of ethnic conflict in Nigeria. The amalgamation of diverse groups into one political entity has often led to mistrust and resentment, exacerbated by political manipulation and socio-economic inequalities. The rhetoric surrounding ethnic identities has only intensified in recent years, particularly during elections, where tensions often boil over into violence.
Social media has become a breeding ground for these hostilities, with platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok allowing users to express hateful sentiments with relative anonymity. This environment fosters a sense of impunity, leading individuals to make inflammatory remarks they might not express in face-to-face interactions.
Experts suggest that addressing these deep-seated issues requires a multifaceted approach. Social workers and community leaders advocate for initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding among different ethnic groups. By promoting inter-ethnic respect and empathy, it is possible to break down the stereotypes and prejudices that fuel conflict.
Furthermore, mental health professionals emphasize the need for accountability in online interactions. Encouraging transparency and direct engagement can help dismantle the walls of anonymity that allow hate speech to flourish.
