Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on Wednesday, warned that Nigeria faces one of its gravest internal threats as mutual trust between major religious groups continues to deteriorate at a disturbing pace.
Akume, who spoke at the second triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, said recent tensions had “almost ebbed into religious conflict” in the last few months.
According to him, Nigeria is navigating “one of its most delicate periods,” driven by heightened political rhetoric, deepening insecurity and widening suspicion among communities.
The SGF cautioned that unless urgent efforts are made to mend fractured relationships, the nation could slip into a crisis that may be exploited by criminal and extremist networks.
Citing violent incidents in Benue, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara states, Akume said the rising insecurity had amplified public fear. But he warned against the temptation to frame the violence in religious terms.
He said: “Truth be told, this is a critical time in our nation’s history. From previous incidents in Yelewata in Benue, to recent ones in Eruku in Kwara State, to others that occurred in different parts of Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara States, the nation has painfully endured.
“However, the most worrisome part, which we expect NIREC to address, is the erosion of mutual trust among adherents of different faiths, as reflected in views expressed and the tone of such rhetoric.”
Akume added that the task before religious leaders is not to trade blame but to restore the nation’s fragile unity.
“The point is not to engage in a scorecard of pain, but to underscore that violence in Nigeria is not monolithic. Both major faith groups bleed when any Nigerian is killed,” he said.
His comments come amid growing debate, especially in the U.S. Congress, over allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, following a recent fact-finding mission by American lawmakers.
The Federal Government has repeatedly rejected the claims, maintaining that while insecurity persists, no religious group is targeted.
Akume conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation for NIREC’s peacebuilding efforts and reaffirmed the administration’s support for non-kinetic security interventions.
He also disclosed that the President had set up a U.S., Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, with NIREC expected to play a significant role.
On Nigeria’s recent designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the U.S., the SGF said stronger domestic engagement was required to correct false narratives and reinforce the nation’s commitment to religious freedom.
Co-chair of NIREC and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for sincere dialogue, saying no amount of force could guarantee lasting peace without honesty and mutual respect.
Challenging religious leaders to self-reflect, the Sultan said: “We sit down and say so many good things to one another, knowing God owns everything. Yet, when we go out, away from our comfort zone, we begin to say negative things about one another. Are we really honest with ourselves?
“God doesn’t make mistakes. He created us into tribes and nations so we could understand one another… When we close the session, we should speak honestly and sincerely, without mixing words. We must be very blunt.”
He stressed that interfaith cooperation does not require compromising core beliefs.
“You won’t tell me to abandon my faith because of NIREC. I won’t change it, no matter what. And I would never try to change your faith as a Christian, never,” he declared.
Meanwhile, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended the Tinubu administration’s steps to improve security, noting that religious institutions remain indispensable in stabilising the country.
He said faith-based organisations possess the moral authority and community reach needed to rebuild trust.
“Faith-based organisations hold immense potential for strengthening security and sustaining peace. Because of their deep community roots, moral authority and trusted presence, they are natural bridges to the hearts and minds of citizens,” Okoh said.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]