CPC: Forum Calls For Calm, Dialogue Over Trump’s Comments

The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has called for calm, restraint and responsible communication among Nigerians following heightened public discourse triggered by recent comments by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.

In a statement jointly signed by its Co-Chairs, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman and Dr. Yussuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, the IDFP said Trump’s remarks have generated deep emotions among Nigerians at home and abroad, necessitating a message of clarity, compassion and unity.

The group said it recognises the pain of families that have lost loved ones to various forms of violence including communal clashes, banditry, insurgency and farmer-herder conflicts.

“Every life lost is one too many. The loss of any Nigerian—Christian, Muslim or of any other faith—diminishes us all,” the forum stated.

The IDFP condemned all forms of violence and warned against retaliatory actions, incitement or statements capable of further inflaming national tensions.

“At this sensitive time, we urge all political, religious and community actors to exercise restraint. Leaders and citizens must avoid comments that deepen divisions,” the organisation said.

Reaffirming its commitment to interfaith harmony, the group said Nigeria’s challenges can only be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding, not suspicion or hostility.

“Peace must be cultivated daily through our words and actions. Interfaith engagement does not shrink in moments of tension; it grows stronger,” the statement added.

The forum urged religious leaders across the country to sustain efforts to promote compassion, empathy and hope within their communities.

The IDFP also called on the Federal Government to renew its commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of all citizens irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

“Peace is sustained through fairness and the rule of law. Only through these principles can trust be rebuilt and harmony restored,” it said.

The IDFP, which comprises 120 Christian and Muslim leaders nationwide, reiterated its mission to promote peaceful coexistence through interfaith dialogue, trust-building and community-based peace initiatives.

The group restated its commitment to countering hate speech, misinformation and intolerance, while creating safe spaces for continuous dialogue among diverse communities.

The forum urged Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance and mutual understanding during this period of heightened tension.

“Peace is not the absence of disagreement but the presence of understanding. Let us choose unity over division, dialogue over debate and peace over injustice,” the organisation stated.