- Religious Leaders: Trump’s Comment Must Not Tear Nigeria Apart
- Appeals to citizens, political figures, and religious leaders to guard against inciting rhetoric
- Urge citizens to remain calm
Christian and Muslim clerics under the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) have cautioned Nigerians against allowing recent remarks by former United States President Donald Trump to fuel division in the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the group urged citizens to remain calm and united following Trump’s allegation of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, warning that such comments could inflame already sensitive religious tensions.
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In a statement jointly signed by Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman and Dr. Yussuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, the Christian and Muslim Co-Chairs of the IDFP, the forum said the heightened reactions both within and outside Nigeria made it necessary for faith leaders to intervene with messages of restraint and responsible communication.
“We acknowledge the pain and grief of families and communities across Nigeria who have lost loved ones to various forms of violence. Every life lost diminishes us all, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” the statement read.
The clerics appealed to citizens, political figures, and religious leaders to guard against inciting rhetoric, avoid retaliation, and prioritise dialogue.
“We strongly urge all communities to reject retaliation and choose dialogue over conflict. This is a sensitive time, and restraint is essential,” they warned.
The IDFP affirmed that Nigeria’s challenges cannot be resolved through fear, suspicion, or division, but through cooperation, understanding, and unity among its diverse religious and ethnic groups.
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