The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP), a national platform uniting Christian and Muslim leaders, has strongly condemned the recent surge in violent attacks and insecurity across several Nigerian states, calling for urgent government intervention to restore peace and provide support for victims.
In a press statement issued today, the IDFP expressed deep sorrow over recent violent incidents in Benue, Kebbi, Plateau and other states, which have resulted in the tragic loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement of families. The forum, which comprises 120 high-level religious and traditional leaders, decried the continuous bloodshed and urged the government to act swiftly to end the cycle of violence.
“We are deeply saddened by the wave of violence that continues to rob Nigerians of peace, security, and dignity—particularly in the Middle Belt, North-East, North-West, South-East, and other affected regions,” the statement read.
The forum extended heartfelt condolences to families of the victims and expressed solidarity with communities bearing the brunt of insecurity, including those affected by insurgency, communal conflicts, and natural disasters.
Citing the resurgence of Boko Haram in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, violence in the South-East, communal unrest in the Middle Belt, and recent flooding in Niger and Borno States, the IDFP called for comprehensive and coordinated action from federal and state governments.
In its recommendations, the forum outlined an eight-point action plan:
Immediate humanitarian relief and long-term rehabilitation for victims.
Deployment of adequately trained joint security forces.
Strengthening of early warning systems and community-based intelligence.
Establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry with a public report.
A national conference to address grazing, land use, and food security issues.
Urgent aid for flood-hit communities and long-term prevention strategies.
Economic relief for families affected by conflict and disasters.
Transparent communication from government to foster trust.
The IDFP also urged affected communities to cooperate with authorities, avoid reprisals, and embrace reconciliation efforts.
“Every life lost diminishes our shared humanity,” the statement noted. “Dialogue remains one of the most powerful tools for peace and nation-building.”
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to peace through its ongoing interfaith initiatives in 10 states, including programmes focused on food security, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) prevention, and community healing.
“Peace is not just a prayer—it is a shared responsibility,” the statement concluded.
The press release was jointly signed by Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman and Dr. Yussuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, co-chairs of the IDFP.