BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Global Peace Foundation (GPF), in collaboration with Senior Nigerian Faith Leaders have called for immediate and coordinated action to confront the escalating violence threatening Nigeria’s unity and stability.
The demand was made at a high-level forum convened at Pepperdine University in Washington, D.C, in February, where Christian, Muslim and traditional leaders from across Nigeria gathered to deliberate on strategies for addressing insecurity in the country and the wider African region.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Fr. Canice Chinyeaka Enyiaka, Director of African Peace Initiative and Engagement at the Global Peace Foundation, described religious faith as a powerful force capable of uniting divided communities and fostering sustainable peace.
He said faith leaders possess moral authority and community trust, positioning them as critical actors in resolving Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
“Religious faith is a powerful force in Nigeria, and with a united voice, we can bring positive change to the country,” Enyiaka stated, stressing the need for collaboration among religious institutions.
Participants at the forum painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s security situation, noting that armed gangs, terrorist groups and insurgents have overrun several communities, kidnapped schoolchildren, destroyed educational facilities and displaced millions of citizens.
Since the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009, more than 40,000 people have reportedly been killed, with vast agricultural and residential areas devastated. Millions remain displaced in camps, while many who attempt to return home face renewed threats from extremist elements.
Cardinal John Onaiyekan warned that several of Nigeria’s problems are self-inflicted and require both moral clarity and responsible governance. According to him, leaders who profess religious faith must translate those values into practical leadership that prioritises security and justice.
“Leaders claim to be religious, yet neglect the core responsibilities of office. Moral leadership must guide practical governance if we hope to restore peace and stability,” he said.
Rev. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr underscored the importance of interfaith cooperation, advocating joint religious services, shared community initiatives and moral education to promote compassion and coexistence. He said building trust between Christians and Muslims remains essential to long-term peace.
Sheikh Muhammad Abubakar Sadeeq highlighted the strategic role of women and youth in peacebuilding, warning that unemployment and marginalisation create fertile ground for recruitment by terrorists and bandits. He urged greater investment in youth engagement and civic education.
The forum also raised concerns about the near collapse of state authority in certain rural areas, where criminal groups reportedly impose illegal taxes, confiscate farm produce and attempt to establish parallel governance systems. Cardinal Onaiyekan described the situation as unacceptable in a modern democratic state.
Dr. Paul Murray, GPF’s International Vice President for Religious Freedom Initiatives, stressed the need to bridge local realities with global policy engagement. He noted that while governments negotiate policy frameworks, faith leaders shape community conscience and credibility.
Former United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Ambassador Sam Brownback, warned that Nigeria risks further instability if decisive and coordinated measures are not urgently implemented.
The Washington meeting followed an earlier engagement held in Abuja on December 9, 2025, where faith and traditional leaders challenged political authorities to strengthen security structures and uphold the rule of law. The Abuja communique recommended the creation of a Joint Interfaith Advocacy Committee, quarterly consultations and systematic documentation of violence and hate speech.
Participants at the Washington forum included Cardinal John Onaiyekan; the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru; Rev. Joseph John Hayab; Sheikh Muhammad Abubakar Sadeeq; Imam Fuad Adeyemi; Rev. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr; and Rev. Fr. Canice Chinyeaka Enyiaka, among others, all of whom reiterated that without urgent and unified action, Nigeria’s peace and democratic stability remain under serious threat.
