Collaborators from various sectors have warned against using religion to cause crisis in Nigeria, saying no country can develop without peace.
They emphasised the need to promote freedom of religion and beliefs, especially for minorities within religious groups, at an event organised by the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA), to commemorate the 2024 International Day for Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Beliefs in Abuja.
JISRA, a peace building consortium of faith-based and secular organisations promoting freedom of religion and belief (FoRB), actively operating in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, as well as Kenya, Mali, the Netherlands, and the United States called for sober reflection on the global impact of religious intolerance and persecution.
In his opening address, Joseph Aloo, Chairperson of JISRA's Country Steering Committee represented by Bolanle Oyebola, the Acting Country Director of Tearfund Nigeria, said the occasion presented an opportunity for individuals, communities, and state actors to reflect soberly and strive to make the world a peaceful place.
He revealed that JISRA was founded on the principle that religious communities play a crucial role in fostering understanding and addressing conflicts. Adding, that empowers religious actors to become effective change agents within communities.
"Our religious partners have talked about the impact that they are making in their communities. They are working with Traditional Rulers, women and Youths towards achieving the program's objective in Nigeria," he said.
Speaking at the event, the country coordinator of the JISRA, Jude Likita, said that freedom of religion or belief is a human right everyone has to enjoy.
"The goal for this is to let everyone understand that, religion itself is not a tool for violence or disharmony, but a tool for peace. Religion itself is to ensure peaceful coexistence. Religion is the faith that teaches one to love his neighbor as he loves himself. So we are advocating for freedom of religion or belief to ensure that we promote harmonious communities so as to ensure that people live in communities where they can enjoy good social cohesion and live in harmony amongst their various faiths and religions," he said.
Also present at the event, the Chief Imam of Jos, Sheikh Ismail Iman said, "We have the Institute of Strategic Studies. Let's give them this assignment. After bringing the solutions, bring the strategies that will follow so that this problem will be curtailed."
The Director of Planning & Strategic Research, CAN Plateau state chapter, Bernard Kenson, called for unity within the society and community where all faiths live together in peace and harmony.
In his special remarks, former General Officer Commanding, 3 and 81 Divisions, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen PJ Dauke, payed tribute to the victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief praising the event as not just about reflection but a call to reinforce collective resolve to pursue peace and justice in communities.
He emphasized the need for a coordinated and inclusive approach to addressing religious intolerance. He said, "Throughout my military career, particularly during my tenure as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Division and later 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, I witnessed firsthand, the devastating impact of violence fueled by religious and ethnic differences. These experiences reinforced my belief in the importance of employing a comprehensive strategy that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to restore peace and stability."
"During my tenure as GOC 3 Division, Jos, a region often beset by inter-communal and religious violence, myself in conjunction with the Commander Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, initiated several non-kinetic approaches aimed at de-escalating conflicts and fostering peace. He said they beared in mind that military force alone cannot resolve deep-rooted grievances and rather they equally focused on building trust and dialogue between the military and local communities. We usually set up regular forums where religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders could engage directly with security forces to address concerns and find common ground," he said.
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The General emphasized that the battle against religious intolerance and violence is not one that can be fought with force alone but patience, dialogue, and a genuine commitment to understanding and respecting the beliefs of others.
The highlight of the event ended with recognition of advocates of Freedom of Religion or Beliefs (FoRB) also were victims of violence due to religious intolerance across Nigeria, especially in Kaduna and Plateau states. JISRA honored them with commemorative plaques inscribed with the names of the individuals.
