Insecurity: Forum calls for calm, dialogue

The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has urged Nigerians to remain calm and embrace dialogue amid heightened public reactions to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump on violence in Nigeria. In a statement jointly signed by its co-chairs, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman and Dr. Yussuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, the group said the rhetoric surrounding […]

The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has urged Nigerians to remain calm and embrace dialogue amid heightened public reactions to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump on violence in Nigeria.

In a statement jointly signed by its co-chairs, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman and Dr. Yussuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, the group said the rhetoric surrounding alleged religiously motivated violence has intensified, stressing the need for responsible communication and restraint.

IDFP acknowledged the grief of families affected by various forms of violence across the country, noting that every life lost — regardless of religion or ethnicity — is a national tragedy.

The forum called on political, religious and community leaders to avoid statements capable of inflaming tensions and instead promote peace, compassion and unity. It emphasised that dialogue and cooperation, not fear or suspicion, are essential for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

IDFP also urged the government to strengthen efforts toward justice, accountability and security, saying all citizens deserve equal protection under the law.

The organisation, which comprises 120 Christian and Muslim leaders nationwide, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, countering hate speech and fostering peaceful coexistence.

“Peace is not the absence of disagreement, but the presence of understanding,” the statement said, encouraging Nigerians to choose unity and tolerance during this period.