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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.
The leaders, drawn from Christian, Muslim, Hindu and traditional institutions, met in Abuja for a high-level interfaith dialogue on religious freedom and human security.
In a communiqué after the meeting 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 the government and the security agencies to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities, improve intelligence gathering and ensure justice for victims.
They also called for reinforcement of interfaith peace committees, mediation efforts and early-warning systems to prevent local conflicts from escalating.
Participants emphasised the need to engage youth and women in peace-building, expand economic opportunities and support trauma-healing for affected families. They also reminded citizens that Nigeria’s challenges were self-made and required collective responsibility to resolve.
While noting that the country’s security problems predated 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.
As part of next steps, 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.
Eminent figures in attendance included John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, Rev Stephen Panya Baba, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, Rev. Fr. Canice Enyiaka, Reverend Joseph Hayab and traditional rulers, such as the Emir of Bangudu, Alhaji Attahiru and the Emir of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo.
