Faith leaders rally Nigerians against insecurity, rising divisions

The Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience and CONCORD, a non-profit organisation focused on peacebuilding, development and human security, have called for stronger interfaith collaboration and collective action to tackle insecurity and social division in Nigeria. The call was made during a strategic interfaith roundtable with the theme “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Religious Pluralism: Faith, Dialogue and National Cohesion,” held in Abuja. The forum brought together faith leaders, peacebuilding experts, community organisers, policymakers and civil society actors to examine growing local and international narratives around religion and violence in Nigeria, while exploring ways to strengthen social cohesion and national resilience. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Hafsah Matazu, Programme Manager, OSPRE/National Early Warning Centre, Abuja, and Amina Wali, Communications Manager, CONCORD. Participants stressed the need for constructive engagement and coordinated responses to the drivers of insecurity and social fragmentation across the country. Speaking at the event, the Director-General of OSPRE, Mr Chris Ngwodo, urged a nationwide commitment to protecting vulnerable rural communities affected by violence and instability. Ngwodo said sustainable peace could only be achieved through inclusive strategies that address the root causes of conflict, including governance failures, injustice, and underdevelopment. According to him, “efforts to build resilience must prioritise the protection and empowerment of local communities while recognising the complex and interconnected nature of violence in Nigeria.” Related News Police Arrest Four Suspected Cultists, Recover Weapons In Lagos Why international oil companies are leaving Nigeria — NDDC MD Stop rejecting corps members, Reps tell govt agencies Participants noted that insecurity in the country is multifaceted, involving sectarian tensions, ethnic divisions, organised criminality, and resource-based conflicts. They agreed that addressing the challenges requires multidimensional approaches such as responsive local governance, improved grassroots protection, and long-term investments in initiatives that promote social integration and preserve Nigeria’s pluralistic identity. Also speaking, the Director of Integrative Missions and Dialogue at CONCORD, Ms. Fatima Madaki emphasised the need for balanced and locally driven engagement amid renewed international scrutiny of religious freedom issues in Nigeria. While referencing the recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”