Interfaith Leaders in Nigeria Call for End to Religious Violence

Nigerian Religious Leaders Unite for Peace Amid Sectarian Strife

Nigeria’s religious leaders have taken a significant step toward peace by endorsing a new declaration aimed at ending religious violence and fostering better interfaith dialogue. This initiative, known as the Abuja Declaration for Sustainable Peace and Religious Harmony, was born out of a visit by the First Step Forum (FSF), a global network dedicated to advancing religious freedom and peace.

During the FSF’s visit, leaders from various Nigerian communities convened to discuss the severe challenges posed by sectarian violence, which has deeply affected many regions. Despite Nigeria’s population being about half Christian, it is ranked by Open Doors as the seventh most dangerous country for Christians, where they face extreme persecution, with more being killed here for their faith than in any other nation combined.

Although a state of emergency was declared last year, critics argue that the government has not adequately acknowledged the religious elements driving the violence. While incidents of Islamic violence against Christians are frequent, there are rarely cases of Christian retaliation. Muslims, too, have suffered, often at the hands of bandits or fellow Muslims imposing stricter religious doctrines.

The FSF meeting highlighted that the competition for limited resources, alongside religious tensions, is a primary cause of the violence. In response, the Abuja Declaration sees both Christian and Muslim leaders unequivocally rejecting any acts of violence in the name of religion.

The declaration also emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and increased interfaith dialogue at the local level, with the goal of preventing tensions from escalating into violence. Dawari George, a former Nigerian MP involved in facilitating the FSF meeting, remarked on the emotional nature of the discussions, noting, “The engagement with the faith leaders was touching. They kept referring to each other as brothers … even as they made practical suggestions on how to deal with the issues.”