Christian Group Seeks Stronger Interfaith Collaboration Against Insecurity In Katsina

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Katsina State Chapter, has canvassed stronger collaboration between Muslims and Christians as part of efforts to address insecurity and promote lasting peace in the state.

The call was made during an interfaith security summit in Katsina, attended by religious leaders, government officials, security stakeholders and other representatives of civil society.

At the summit, the state chairman of YOWICAN, Mr Praise Isaiah, said the fight against insecurity should not be left to the government and security agencies alone.

He urged Christians and Muslims to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and peaceful coexistence, stressing that communities and other non-state actors had important roles to play in addressing security challenges.

Isaiah said religious organisations, in particular, could use their influence to mediate conflicts, counter misinformation and bridge gaps of misunderstanding among their followers.

He called on religious leaders to promote messages that would encourage tolerance, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence, rather than deepen divisions within communities.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Azaigba Kenneth-Terna, also advocated greater cooperation between Muslims and Christians, saying sustainable peace and security could only be achieved through collective responsibility.

Kenneth-Terna said the responsibility for peace and security went beyond government, urging religious and community leaders to recognise their roles in creating safer and more peaceful societies.

“I am particularly delighted to share thoughts with you on the responsibilities of peace and security, as they are beyond government alone but collective ones,” he said.

He urged religious actors to deploy their influence to promote tolerance, dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among their followers.

The keynote speaker further stressed the importance of building trust between communities, saying religious leaders could play a critical role in preventing conflicts before they escalate.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Surajo Abubakar, represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Malam Abdul Usman, described insecurity as a major challenge affecting residents of the state.

He said the Katsina State Government was working with relevant stakeholders to address the security situation and strengthen measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

According to him, the administration of Governor Dikko Radda remained committed to restoring lasting peace and creating an environment where residents could live and pursue their livelihoods without fear.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate security agencies.

He said stronger cooperation between government, security agencies, religious institutions and communities remained critical to overcoming the security challenges confronting the state.