Not all the reports are equivocal. See http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1971010,00.html,

Alas, the crisis isn’t sectarian; it only appears so. Understandably, Nigeria’s politics is a tad too difficult to unearth the underlying causes. And few take the time to dig deep.

Public service in Nigeria is uncommon, self-serving politics is rife. Which is why in the absence of justice, and charity, impunity and violence reign. Any difference: religious, ethnic or economic is a willing tool in the hands of a crooked few.

Karl Maier’s book: This House Has Fallen, is recommended reading. In it he says: “[The clashes] stem from minority ethnic groups’ attempts to wrench themselves free from what they see as domination by the Hausa-Fulani establishment.”

And I must add, this attempt to wrench free is used as a ploy by politicians, of a different ethnic and religious persuasion, to stir sentiments rather than ably provide honest governance: security, health and wealth.