Interfaith leaders demand urgent action to end violence in north, Middle Belt
Religious and political leaders under the Abuja Declaration for Sustainable Peace and Religious Harmony have issued a four-point communiqué calling for urgent and coordinated measures to address persistent violence in
- …Europe rallies behind Nigeria’s peace efforts
- Jide Babalola, Assistant Editor, Abuja
Religious and political leaders under the Abuja Declaration for Sustainable Peace and Religious Harmony have issued a four-point communiqué calling for urgent and coordinated measures to address persistent violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions, warning that deepening divisions and impunity are worsening insecurity.
The communiqué, released at the end of a high-level interfaith meeting in Abuja, brought together Christian and Muslim leaders who decried the “unspeakable suffering” of communities affected by armed conflict, banditry, and religious extremism.
They identified weak security structures, resource-based conflicts exacerbated by climate change, and a culture of impunity as key drivers of instability.
The leaders unanimously rejected violence carried out in the name of religion and called for strengthened early warning systems, sustained mediation efforts, and continuous dialogue to de-escalate tensions. They also stressed the need for forgiveness, trauma healing, and restorative justice in affected communities.
Addressing government authorities, the communiqué urged security agencies to prioritise civilian protection and decisively tackle impunity, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations. It also called on the international community to expand support for Nigeria’s stabilisation efforts, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups, civil society organisations, and internally displaced persons.
The resolutions received backing from a delegation of European political leaders and international advocates under the First Step Forum, who expressed readiness to support Nigeria’s peacebuilding initiatives. The delegation included former Slovak Prime Minister, Eduard Heger; Swiss National Council member, Marc Jost; and Austrian parliamentarian and social activist, Gudrun Kugler-Lang.
The trio commended Nigerian religious leaders for sustaining interfaith dialogue despite ongoing challenges, describing such engagement as essential to securing long-term stability.
Also speaking, former President of the National Assembly’s Christian Legislators’ Forum, Teejay Yusuf, attributed aspects of the crisis to the erosion of traditional and religious values, urging leaders to take responsibility in reversing the trend.
Heger, while highlighting Nigeria’s global potential, said the country could emerge as a major international force if it sustains reforms and strengthens partnerships. Drawing from Slovakia’s experience, he emphasised the importance of strong value systems, credible leadership, and coalition-building in driving national development and engaging young people in nation-building efforts.
“Coalition is the masterpiece of leadership, and excellent leadership reflects in how well you manage coalitions towards achieving a positive agenda,” he stated.
The event attracted a cross-section of influential religious and political figures, including the Emir of Bungudu, Zamfara State, Alhassan Attahiru; National Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Comfort Chigbue; Mohammed Nuru Khalid; Fouad Adeyemi; and prominent peace advocate Gideon Para-Mallam.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of CAN in the North, John Hayab; former Coordinator of the National Assembly Christian Legislators’ Forum, Dawari George; and Amos Magaji, successor to Yusuf in the forum.
"The convergence of domestic and international actors for Nigeria's inter-faith dialogue underscores a growing consensus: that Nigeria’s path to lasting peace lies in strengthening interfaith trust, enforcing justice, and building strategic alliances across borders," Hon Teejay Yusuf told The Nation.
