Constructing an Indigenous Theological Framework for Muslim-Christian Peacebuilding in Nigeria’s Middle Belt Region

This dissertation constructs an indigenous theological framework for Muslim-Christian peacebuilding grounded in the specific cultural, historical, and religious resources of Nigeria's Middle Belt region. Existing peacebuilding frameworks applied to Middle Belt conflicts are predominantly derived from Western conflict resolution theory or globally generic interfaith dialogue models that inadequately account for local Islamic and Christian theological resources and indigenous knowledge systems. The study employs a constructive theology methodology combining field-based participatory research with 80 Muslim and Christian community leaders, peacebuilders, and religious scholars across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Taraba states, with systematic analysis of indigenous peacebuilding narratives, historical theological texts, and oral religious traditions. Data are synthesised using grounded theory and indigenous theological construction methods. The original contribution is the Zongo-Aguta Peacebuilding Theology, a regionally anchored framework that draws on the Islamic concepts of Sulh and Rahma alongside the Christian principles of Shalom and Ubuntu-inflected reconciliation practices found in Middle Belt indigenous communities. The framework is validated through expert consultation with 20 senior Islamic and Christian theologians. The dissertation recommends embedding the Zongo-Aguta Framework in conflict prevention training for religious leaders across the Middle Belt, and in national religious education policy. Keywords: Muslim-Christian peacebuilding, Middle Belt Nigeria, indigenous theology, interfaith reconciliation, Sulh.