The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has called on the Federal Government to take decisive action against the alarming rise in killings, kidnappings, and banditry that have plagued the country in recent weeks.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NIREC, led by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Daniel Okoh, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity.
The council, representing both Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria, voiced its distress at the “exponential increase in the level of insecurity” across the nation.
“The rate at which banditry, abductions, and killings are increasing in the country is beyond alarming,” the statement, signed by NIREC Secretary Cornelius Omonokhua, noted. “There is an urgent need to put an end to these heinous acts.”
Highlighting recent incidents, the statement pointed to the killing of thirteen farmers in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the abduction of 150 people in Gobir District of Sokoto State, the gruesome murder of the District Head of Gatawa in Sokoto State, and a foiled bandit attack in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, among other tragic events.
“The frequency and severity of these attacks within just one week is deeply disheartening and of great concern,” the statement added.
NIREC urged the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to eliminate these threats, allowing citizens to go about their daily lives without fear or apprehension.
The council also extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in these attacks and prayed for the safe return of those still in captivity.