On Tuesday, August 27, the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Sultan Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), expressed serious concern about the worsening insecurity in Nigeria.
The Christian and Islamic leaders condemned the recent surge in banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks. They highlighted the recent murder of 13 farmers in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the kidnapping of 150 people in Gobir District of Sokoto State, and the brutal killing of the District Head of Gatawa, Sokoto State.
In a statement issued by NIREC’s Executive Secretary, Fr. Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua, the leaders called on the government and security agencies to strengthen their efforts to eliminate these threats and ensure that citizens can live without fear.
NIREC also extended condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the safe return of those still held captive.
The clerics emphasized that security is a shared responsibility, urging all Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
They stated, “The rate at which banditry, abductions, and killings are increasing in the country is beyond alarming, and there is a need to bring these heinous acts to an end.
“NIREC, therefore, calls on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to eradicate these menaces in our society so that citizens can go about their normal business without fear or apprehension.
“The Council would also like to commiserate with the families of all those who lost their lives because of these disdainful acts and also pray that all those still in captivity will be safely reunited with their loved ones.
“Lastly, the Council calls on all Nigerians to be cautious, vigilant, and report any suspicious activity, as security is a collective effort and not just the responsibility of the government alone.”
