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RELIGION : Faith Leaders Sound Alarm: “Religion Must Not Be Weaponized” — Interfaith Council Rallies Nigeria Toward Unity and Peace.

By Jako Keke, February 11,2026.

Religious leaders under the Inter-Faith Dialogue Forum for Peace have called for urgent national unity and responsible faith-based leadership, warning that religion must never be used as a tool for division, hate, or violence in Nigeria.

The charge was delivered by the Co-Chair of the Forum, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman Jr., during his opening address at the First Quarter Executive Council Meeting of the Inter-Faith Dialogue Forum for Peace held at Ajuji Greenwich Hotel, Gudu District, Apo, Abuja.

Addressing distinguished clerics, council members, and peacebuilding partners, Rev. Hamman said the gathering came at a critical time when Nigeria faces persistent security threats, social tensions, economic pressures, and political uncertainty. He described the meeting as a strong signal that unity across faith lines remains both possible and necessary.

“We gather not merely as representatives of different faith traditions, but as custodians of hope, ambassadors of peace, and moral voices in our nation,” he said. “Our coming together sends a powerful message — that unity is possible, and peace is achievable.”

He emphasized that Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity should be treated as a national asset rather than a fault line, warning that ignorance and selfish interests often manipulate differences into conflict triggers.

According to him, faith leaders carry a moral responsibility to prevent religion from being weaponized through hate speech, discrimination, and incitement. He urged clerics and religious institutions to promote messages of justice, compassion, reconciliation, and mutual respect instead.

Rev. Hamman also cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, especially in the era of social media, noting that words can either heal or deepen divisions. He called on churches, mosques, temples, and other faith platforms to serve as centers of peace education and tolerance.

“Let our pulpits and platforms become centers of peace education, tolerance, and mutual respect,” he said. “Dialogue does not mean compromising our convictions; it means expressing them with respect while listening to others with humility.”

Highlighting the Forum’s mission, he said the body is committed to building bridges across religious divides and promoting dialogue over suspicion and collaboration over rivalry.

He urged participants to focus on practical outcomes from the meeting, including strengthening early warning systems, supporting community-based peace initiatives, expanding youth engagement, and deepening grassroots interfaith cooperation.

“Nigeria needs us. Our youth are watching us. The future is depending on us,” he declared.
The Inter-Faith Dialogue Forum for Peace brings together leaders from diverse religious backgrounds to promote peaceful coexistence and conflict prevention across the country.

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