Interfaith Leaders Move Against Insecurity

Nigeria’s top religious and traditional leaders have called for urgent national action to address the worsening insecurity across the country, warning that unchecked violence threatens lives, communities and national stability.

Leaders from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and traditional institutions met in Abuja for a high-level interfaith dialogue on religious freedom and human security.

Eminent figures in attendance included John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, Rev Stephen Panya Baba, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, Rev. Fr. Canice Enyiaka, Revd Joseph Hayab, and traditional rulers such as the Emir of Bangudu, Alhaji Attihuru, and the Emir of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo.

In a communiqué jointly issued by the Emir of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo and Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba after the meeting hosted by the Global Peace Foundation, the delegates condemned the surge in killings, kidnappings and targeted attacks nationwide, stressing that every human life is sacred and must be protected.

They reaffirmed that no religion supports violence and agreed to speak with one voice to counter extremism and promote peace.

The forum urged government and security agencies to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities, improve intelligence gathering and ensure justice for victims.

They also called for the reinforcement of interfaith peace committees, mediation efforts and early-warning systems to prevent local conflicts from escalating, adding that all people must come together and work for peace.

Participants emphasised the need to engage youth and women in peacebuilding, expand economic opportunities, and support trauma-healing for affected families. They also reminded citizens that Nigeria’s challenges are “self-made” and require collective responsibility to resolve.

While noting that the country’s security problems predate the current administration, the leaders said President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly must prioritise tackling insecurity, warning that governance has little meaning if lives are not safe.

The forum agreed to establish a Joint Interfaith Advocacy Committee, develop a common declaration on non-violence, intensify peace messaging across communities, and convene regular national consultations on progress.