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The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has called for calm, restraint and renewed dialogue among Nigerians following fresh public debate over alleged religiously motivated violence in the country. The conversation intensified after former U.S. President Donald J. Trump described the situation in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide,” a remark that has generated strong reactions locally and internationally.
In a statement jointly signed by its Co-Chairs, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman and Dr. Yussuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, the IDFP said the heightened emotions of recent days made it necessary to offer a message of peace, empathy and responsible communication. The group expressed sympathy to families and communities that have lost loved ones to various forms of violence—whether insurgency, banditry, communal clashes or farmer-herder conflicts—stressing that every Nigerian life is valuable, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
The Forum urged political leaders, religious figures and citizens to avoid statements capable of inflaming tensions or deepening divisions. It condemned all forms of violence and appealed to communities to reject retaliation and embrace dialogue as the only sustainable path to resolution. According to the organisation, Nigeria’s challenges cannot be solved through fear or suspicion but through greater understanding, collaboration and compassion.
IDFP encouraged faith leaders across the country to remain committed to fostering peace within their communities. It noted that interfaith engagement becomes even more important in moments of tension and called for continued efforts to strengthen cooperation between Christian and Muslim leaders. The statement emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity should be a foundation for healing and progress, not a source of conflict.
The Forum also urged the Federal Government to take the opportunity to reinforce its commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of all citizens. It stressed that fairness, rule of law and responsible governance are key to rebuilding trust and ensuring lasting peace.
Reaffirming its mission, IDFP explained that it comprises 120 senior Christian and Muslim leaders working to promote religious tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The group said it remains dedicated to countering hate speech, misinformation and intolerance while creating safe spaces for interfaith dialogue across the country.
The statement concluded with an appeal for unity, reminding Nigerians that peace is not the absence of disagreement but the presence of understanding. It urged citizens to choose hope, tolerance and mutual respect during this challenging period and prayed for peace in Nigeria.
