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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has expressed concern over what it described as provocative and inflammatory statements allegedly made by Plateau State-based cleric, Rev Ezekiel Dachomo, warning that such remarks could heighten religious tensions in parts of the country.
In a statement by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council said the comments by the cleric contained dangerous and abusive insinuations against Islam and the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and could worsen fragile relations between religious communities, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The council said the development was troubling at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. “Such reckless utterances are not only irresponsible but potentially dangerous, as they risk inflaming passions and sowing distrust among communities that have lived together peacefully for generations.”
The SCSN called on relevant security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the alleged remarks and take appropriate legal action if necessary.
“It must be clearly stated that any individual, Muslim or Christian, who engages in reckless incitement, hate speech or deliberate attempts to provoke religious hostility must be held accountable.”
The council also warned that crises in Nigeria have often been fuelled by irresponsible rhetoric and deliberate provocation by individuals it described as ‘conflict merchants’ who manipulate religion and identity for personal interests.
According to the council, such actors thrive on tension and mistrust, while ordinary citizens suffer the consequences through violence, displacement and loss of lives.
The council urged security agencies to act swiftly, noting that unchecked hate speech has historically served as a trigger for violent conflicts.
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It reiterated that Islam promotes peace, justice and the sanctity of human life, citing a verse from the Qur’an, which states that killing one person unjustly is akin to killing all humanity, while saving a life is like saving all of humanity.
The SCSN also expressed support for initiatives by the government, religious leaders and civil society groups aimed at promoting dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
It further called on Muslim and Christian leaders to jointly condemn statements capable of promoting hatred or hostility.
“Responsible religious leadership requires wisdom, restraint and a sincere commitment to peace. Silence in such situations is complicity,” the council said.
The council also urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to address the worsening security situation, particularly in northern parts of the country affected by terrorism, banditry and kidnappings.
It expressed sympathy with victims of violence nationwide and paid tribute to members of the armed forces, police and other security agencies who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Nigeria stands at a critical moment,” the statement added. “The preservation of peace and stability requires responsible speech, moral leadership and firm action against those who deliberately incite hatred, division or violence.”
The council urged Nigerians to remain calm, reject provocation and continue to uphold values of peace, tolerance and national unity.
