The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to stop the rising cases of banditry, abductions, and killings across the country, stating that the security situation has reached a critical point.
NIREC, which is co-chaired by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), voiced its grave concern over the growing insecurity in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by NIREC’s Executive Secretary, Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, the council highlighted recent incidents, including the killing of 13 farmers in the Shiroro local government area of Niger State, the abduction of 150 people in Gobir District, Sokoto State, the murder of the District Head of Gatawa in Sokoto State, and a foiled bandit attack in the Malumfashi local government area of Katsina State.
“This series of attacks within just one week is deeply troubling and of great concern,” the statement read. “NIREC calls on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to eradicate these threats in our society, allowing citizens to go about their daily lives without fear.”
The council expressed sympathy for the families of those who have lost their lives and prayed for the safe return of those still in captivity. NIREC also called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that ensuring security is a collective responsibility, not just the government’s.
