The North Central region of Nigeria has long been a flashpoint of violent conflict, ethnic cleansing, religious intolerance, and communal clashes. These crises have claimed countless lives, displaced thousands, and destroyed properties across communities. Yet, amid these challenges, religious leaders have remained powerful voices for peace, unity, and moral conscience.
The North Central region of Nigeria has been experiencing a surge in violent attacks, resulting in significant loss of life. Here are some recent incidents:
April 2025: Suspected intercommunal violence in Plateau State killed over 40 people, with some reports suggesting the death toll surpassed 48. The violence was sparked by land disputes between Muslim Fulani herders and mostly Christian farmers.
June 2025: At least 150 people were massacred in Benue State. The attack was attributed to suspected armed herdsmen.
July 2025: Gunmen ambushed a group returning from a weekly market in Plateau State, killing 14 people.
September 2025: Bandits killed 12 forest guards in Kwara State, and another attack occurred in the same state by a new terrorist group called Mahmuda, which claimed responsibility for killing over 15 people in rural communities near Kainji Lake National Park.
2023-2024: According to Amnesty International, at least 10,217 people were killed in northern Nigeria in the past two years, with Benue State accounting for 6,896 deaths and Plateau State accounting for 2,630 deaths.
INSTANCES OF DISPLACEMENT CRISES:
The North Central region of Nigeria is facing a significant displacement crisis, with approximately 1.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of June 2024, according to the International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). The IDPs are spread across ten states, including Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
These incidents highlight the growing insecurity in the region, with various groups and individuals being targeted. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its response to these attacks, with many calling for more effective measures to address the root causes of the violence.
RELIGIOUS LEADERS CONTRIBUTIONS SO FAR
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE AND INFLUENCE:
Religious leaders in the North Central region have been instrumental in providing spiritual guidance to their adherents, encouraging them to live in harmony with people of other faiths. They have used their pulpits to preach messages of peace, love, and tolerance, reminding their followers that they are all children of the same God. By so doing, they have helped to reduce tensions and promote understanding among different religious groups. Their influence extends beyond the spiritual realm, as they are often seen as custodians of moral values and ethics in their communities.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND MEDIATION:
Religious leaders in the North Central region have also played a key role in conflict resolution and mediation. They have used their positions to bring warring factions together, facilitating dialogue and negotiations towards peaceful resolution of conflicts. Their involvement in conflict resolution has helped to build trust and confidence among communities, promoting peaceful coexistence. By mediating between conflicting parties, they have helped to reduce violence and promote stability in the region.
PROMOTING INTERFAITH DIALOGUE:
Another significant role played by Religious leaders in the North Central region is promoting interfaith dialogue. They have organized interfaith conferences, workshops, and seminars, bringing together people of different faiths to discuss issues of common interest. These initiatives have helped to promote understanding and respect among different religious groups, reducing tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence. By engaging in interfaith dialogue, religious leaders have demonstrated that despite their differences, people of different faiths can work together towards a common goal of peace and stability.
CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS:
Despite the significant role played by religious leaders in promoting peace in the North Central region, they face several challenges and limitations. Some of these challenges include limited resources, security concerns, and mistrust among different religious groups. Additionally, some religious leaders may be biased towards their own faith, which can limit their effectiveness in promoting peace. However, despite these challenges, many religious leaders in the region have remained committed to promoting peace and stability.
SUCCESS STORIES:
There are several success stories of Religious leaders promoting peace in the North Central region. For example, the Interfaith Dialogue Platform, a coalition of Christian and Muslim leaders in Plateau State, has been instrumental in promoting peace and stability in the state. Similarly, the Kaduna Peace Declaration, signed by Christian and Muslim leaders in Kaduna State, has helped to promote peace and stability in the state. Thanks to the Chairman of the Occasion – Gen. Yakubu Gowon Rtd, the Chief Host, the Chairman Northern Governors Forum Engr. A.A Sule and the Special Guest of Honor, The SGF Sen. George Akume, for their countless efforts and contributions, past and present which cannot be overlooked. These success stories demonstrate the impact that Religious leaders have had in promoting peace and stability in the region.
RECOMMENDATIONS
However, because of the exigencies of the times, the Scripture “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” as found in Ephesians 5:16 (KJV), is now of essence, it indicates that the Religious leaders still have so much to do towards promoting peace in the North Central region of Nigeria, as the days are really evil. Again, the Bible, specifically from the book of Amos says: “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria…” Amos 6:1 (KJV). This verse is a warning to those of us who are complacent and self-assured, thinking they are safe and secure, while there is no hiding place for us all. The prophet Amos is cautioning against complacency; thus we Religious leaders in the North Central region cannot afford to rest upon our oasis. We are therefore urged to consider these further recommendations:
1. Speak to the powers that be: Religious leaders can leverage on speaking to the powers that be both nationally and internationally equivocally without any fear advocating for their defense and target to tackle insecurity.
2. Support community policing: Religious leaders can advocate for, follow up, and fully support community policing with prayers and intercession.
3. Use social media effectively: Religious leaders can leverage social media platforms to spread messages of peace, love, and tolerance, reaching a wider audience and countering hate speech.
4. Engage youth and women: Religious leaders can involve youth and women in peacebuilding initiatives, empowering them to become agents of change in their communities.
5. Foster community service: Religious leaders can organize community service projects, such as food drives, health fairs, and clean-up initiatives, to bring people together and promote a sense of shared humanity.
6. Develop peace education programs: Religious leaders can develop peace education programs for their adherents, teaching conflict resolution skills, tolerance, and understanding.
7. Build relationships with government officials: Religious leaders can build relationships with government officials, advocating for policies that promote peace and stability in the region.
8. Encourage economic empowerment: Religious leaders can encourage economic empowerment initiatives, such as microfinance programs, to reduce poverty and inequality, which can contribute to conflict.
9. Support trauma healing: Religious leaders can provide financial, emotional and psychological support to individuals and communities affected by conflict, and at Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps promoting trauma healing and recovery.
10. Promote cultural exchange: Religious leaders can organize cultural exchange programs, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of different communities, promoting understanding and appreciation.
11. Collaborate with other stakeholders: Religious leaders can collaborate with other stakeholders, including civil society organizations, community leaders, and traditional rulers, to promote support, peace and stability.
12. Lead by example: Religious leaders can model peaceful behavior, demonstrating respect, empathy, and understanding towards people of other faiths and backgrounds.
SUMMARY
Religious leaders have been trying their best but could do better by implementing these suggestions, they can play an even more significant role. These actions can help promote understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence in the region.
1. Speak to the powers that be.
2. Support community policing.
3. Use social media to spread peace messages.
4. Engage youth and women in peacebuilding.
5. Foster community service projects.
6. Develop peace education programs.
7. Build relationships with government officials.
8. Encourage economic empowerment.
9. Support trauma healing.
10. Promote cultural exchange.
11. Collaborate with other stakeholders.
12. Lead by example, demonstrating peaceful behavior.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, Religious leaders play a significant role in promoting peace and stability in the North Central region of Nigeria. Through their spiritual guidance, conflict resolution efforts, and promotion of interfaith dialogue, they have helped to reduce tensions and promote understanding among different religious and ethnic groups; while they face several challenges and limitations, their efforts have contributed significantly to promoting peace and stability in the region. However, Religious leaders could do better, while as Nigeria continues to navigate its complex ethno-religious dynamics, the role of Religious leaders in promoting peace and stability cannot be overemphasized.
Thank you and God bless you!
Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary General, Elders’ Council,
Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA).
