Tinubu Urges Religious Leaders To Speak Against Terrorism, Kidnapping, Banditry

Tinubu Urges Religious Leaders To Speak Against Terrorism, Kidnapping, Banditry

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across Nigeria to speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.

Tinubu made the call on Sunday in Kano during the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

The President stressed that religious leaders have a crucial role to play in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.

He urged religious institutions and their networks to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.

Tinubu also called on religious leaders to use their influence to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and the peaceful resolution of grievances in communities.

“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty,” the President said.

He further urged religious institutions to contribute more actively to building a generation of young Nigerians committed to peace, responsible citizenship and respect for human life.

“Your institutions and networks must become stronger in the advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the formation of upright young men and women,” Tinubu added.

The President also charged religious leaders to remind political leaders of their responsibilities to uphold justice and compassion, while encouraging citizens to pursue legitimate grievances through peaceful and lawful means.

“You must also remind political leaders of justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances must never become permission for lawlessness or violence,” he said.

Tinubu emphasised that religious teachings must continue to promote the sanctity of human life, stressing that no genuine act of worship could justify the destruction of innocent lives.

“Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred,” the President said.