Nigeria Violence Affects Muslims Christians Equally

The Nigeria Inter‑Religious Council’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua, warned that both Muslims and Christians are being targeted by bandits and terrorists, leading to widespread killings. Speaking at the close‑out event of the “Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief” project in Abuja—organized by Search for Common Ground with support from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs—Omonokhua described the violence as a “war on humanity.” He stressed that these criminal groups attack Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation, noting that the violence is driven primarily by the pursuit of power and money rather than religious ideology. Omonokhua urged Nigerians not to let terrorists create divisions between faith communities, emphasizing that the work of the Nigeria Inter‑Religious Council demonstrates there is no religious war in the country.

Representing the Executive Chairman, Anthony Ojukwu, Halilu Adamu, Director of the Civil and Political Rights Department at the National Human Rights Commission, discussed ongoing challenges such as religious intolerance, political manipulation, and mistrust between communities. He highlighted the importance of protecting religious freedom, citing its critical role in preserving dignity, identity, and national peace. Under the “Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief” project, the National Human Rights Commission received 12 toll‑free lines to improve reporting on religious‑freedom concerns, an initiative aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation for a more peaceful, cohesive society.

The Nigeria Inter‑Religious Council’s efforts to promote religious freedom and tolerance are especially significant given Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape. With a population of over 200 million, the country includes large Muslim and Christian communities, making greater understanding and cooperation essential. As Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, and religious intolerance, safeguarding religious freedom and encouraging interfaith dialogue are vital. The work of organizations such as the Nigeria Inter‑Religious Council and the National Human Rights Commission is crucial in addressing these challenges and building a more peaceful, inclusive society.