APCJ_1528_Win2010_00i_122_4 12/30/10 3:22 PM Page 31 Beyond the Ethno-Religious Theory of the Jos Conflict 31 The greater danger posed by continuing to perceive the Jos conflict essentially in ethno-religious terms is its potential to eventually lead to control of the city by religious extremists and the export of terror from it to other parts of the world. Being a predominantly Christian area situated in the predominantly Muslim north of Nigeria, Jos has become an object of keen and fierce contestation between adherents of Christianity and Islam. Thus, while not overlooking the economic factors causing ethnic tension, efforts should be geared towards diluting the religious fervor on and below the surface. The prevalent perception that most ethnic groups in Plateau share the same sentiments as the Berom, and collectively see an Islamic threat, still must be taken seriously in spite of the underlying economic factors.55 Imputing religious causes to the conflict in a society as deeply religious as Nigeria’s may eventually lead to the implosion of the polity. This will result in dire regional and broader consequences. The Nigerian state must address the issue of citizenship as the current system has failed to provide opportunities for the citizenry for self-actualization irrespective of where they reside or are born. 55. Tom Burgis, ‘Ethnic rivalries fuel Nigeria violence’, Financial Times, 26 January 2010.