Hate-Speech Morphology and Divisive Tendencies in Nigeria

In this study, we embark on a morphological analysis of the various coinages by Nigerians to highlight the hate mindset and the divisive tendencies that have existed among them in recent times. To do this, we selected five major Nigerian-based online media which are The Punch Online, Sahara Reporters, The Nation online, Premium Times and The Vanguard Online. Hate morphological coinages by online news commenters within one year (June 2024 – May 2025) are extracted from the online media and an analysis was done on them using the framework of analogous morphology. Our findings show a preponderance use of the morphological processes of blending and compounding both at intra and inter-linguistic levels. The study also points to the possibility of the divisive lines in Nigeria being ethno-political rather than essentially religious.