Group Calls For Dialogue, Coordinated Action Against Insecurity

The Nigerian KAICIID Fellows have urged government authorities, faith leaders and civil society actors to prioritise dialogue, restraint, and coordinated action in the face of insecurity in parts of the country.

The group, made up of 35 peacebuilders representing Christian, Muslim, Hare Krishna, traditional and other faith communities, issued the call in a statement signed by Chairman Prof. Awal Abdulsalam and Secretary Elder Justina Ngwobia.

The Fellows said many Nigerians are grieving, anxious, and seeking hope as communities in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi, Borno and other states continue to suffer attacks linked to ethnic conflicts, resource disputes, banditry and extremist ideologies.

They noted that the humanitarian crisis has claimed thousands of lives including Christians and Muslims, young and old across markets, highways, and places of worship.

“Our intention is not to diminish the suffering of victims, but to draw attention to the deeper causes: governance failures, inadequate security systems, injustice, and the erosion of social cohesion.”

The group warned against polarising narratives that frame the crisis strictly as religious persecution, arguing that such rhetoric obscures a more fundamental problem: the inability of state institutions to protect citizens. According to the Fellows, Nigeria is facing “a tragedy of failed protection,” not a coordinated extermination campaign.

They also expressed concern over the fallout from comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump labeling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and threatening military intervention against so-called terrorists. The Fellows described the remarks as destabilizing, adding that inflammatory rhetoric from international actors could inflame tensions, disrupt peace efforts, and undermine sovereign institutions.

“As part of a global program, we remain committed to fostering understanding across divides, protecting sacred spaces, and supporting vulnerable communities,” the statement said.

Citing their report, Celebrating a Decade of Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue in Nigeria (2015–2024), the Fellows said evidence shows that sustained dialogue reduces violence, strengthens community resilience and empowers young people and faith leaders to build peace at the grassroots level.

The group called on government institutions at all levels to show decisive leadership and ensure coordinated security operations to protect communities from further attacks. They emphasized that improving institutional responsiveness is essential to restoring trust and preventing reprisals.

Faith leaders were urged to intensify cross-community engagement, promote mutual respect and counter hate speech, especially in regions where tensions remain fragile. Civil society groups and grassroots organisations were encouraged to empower women, youth and vulnerable populations through peacebuilding programmes.

The Fellows further appealed to international partners to support Nigeria through institution-building, capacity development and diplomatic collaboration rather than militarized approaches. They also urged media organisations and social influencers to refocus public outrage toward those responsible for providing protection instead of amplifying divisive narratives.

“Every Nigerian life is sacred. Dialogue, justice and shared responsibility remain the only sustainable path to a peaceful and harmonious Nigeria.”