Tinubu Urges Religious Leaders to Speak Out Against Terrorism, Kidnapping

Tinubu Urges Religious Leaders to Speak Out Against Terrorism, Kidnapping
Urges Faith Leaders to Promote Peace, Tolerance Across Africa
Tinubu to Religious Leaders: Don’t Allow Religion to Be Used to Justify Violence

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders across Africa and beyond to take a stronger stand against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violence.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Tinubu made the call in Kano during the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, where he urged faith leaders to consistently condemn the manipulation of religion to justify violence and the killing of innocent people.

The President’s goodwill message was delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Tinubu said religious institutions possessed significant influence and networks that could be deployed to promote peace, justice, tolerance and responsible citizenship, particularly at a time when several societies were facing insecurity, violent extremism and other crises.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the President urged religious leaders to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy and scholarship while paying greater attention to the moral development of young people.

He said faith leaders must consistently speak against the killing of innocent people and the use of religion as a justification for terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.

“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty,” Tinubu said.

He also urged religious leaders to remind political leaders of their responsibility to uphold justice, compassion and accountability, while encouraging citizens to pursue legitimate grievances through lawful means rather than violence.

The President said the scale of current global challenges had made the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly important, citing conflicts, climate shocks, food and energy crises, terrorism, transnational crime and the manipulation of religious and ethnic identities among the issues confronting societies.

He also referenced a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees which estimated that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025.

According to Tinubu, spiritual leaders have an important role in healing divisions, resolving grievances and addressing hatred within communities because of their moral authority and grassroots networks.

He particularly highlighted the Tijjaniyya community, whose networks extend across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, saying the group could contribute to reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth development and humanitarian efforts across the Sahel and beyond.

The President said the Federal Government recognised the role of religious and traditional institutions in promoting tolerance, countering misinformation, addressing identity-based divisions and strengthening grassroots peacebuilding.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, economic integration, maritime security and dialogue, noting that instability in Nigeria could have wider consequences because of the country’s strategic position in West Africa and the Sahel.

Tinubu said religious organisations with transnational networks could complement government efforts by promoting values such as truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for human life.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to protect freedom of religion while working with religious and traditional institutions to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and national unity.

The President welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars and spiritual leaders who travelled from countries including Algeria, Morocco, Senegal and Egypt to attend the Maulud.

He also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who played a significant role in the establishment of the Maulud gathering, describing him as a respected teacher, father and advocate of peace and moderation.

Tinubu said the best way to preserve Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s legacy was to uphold his commitment to Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, peaceful coexistence, learning and service to humanity.

The President commended the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Kano State Government, traditional rulers, security agencies, organisers and volunteers for their contributions to the successful hosting of the event.