The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), under the joint leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and His Eminence Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), expressed grave concern on Tuesday over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.
The eminent Christian and Islamic leaders condemned the recent surge in banditry, abductions, and killings, citing the murder of 13 farmers in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the abduction of 150 people in Gobir District of Sokoto State, and the gruesome killing of the District Head of Gatawa, Sokoto State, among other incidents.
In a statement signed on their behalf by NIREC’s Executive Secretary, Fr. Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua, the leaders urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to eradicate these threats, ensuring citizens can go about their daily lives without fear or apprehension.
NIREC also commiserated with the families of the victims and prayed for the safe release of those still in captivity.
The leading clerics emphasized that security is a collective responsibility, calling on all Nigerians to be cautious, vigilant, and report 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.”
VANGUARD
