Group seeks prosecution of religious violence sponsors, perpetrators
By EricJames Ochigbo
Abuja, July 12, 2025 (NAN) Security agencies have been urged to ensure that the sponsors and perpetrators of religion induced violence are prosecuted to guarantee the protection of minorities in the country.
The National Steering Committee on the Promoting and Protecting of Freedom of Religion or Belief (PP-FoRB), a project of Search for Common Ground (SFCG-Nigeria), made the call in a communique issued after its 2nd annual meeting on Saturday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that project is sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Abuja.
It comprises representatives of government agencies, Civil Society Organisation (CSO), religious and traditional leaders as well as development partners.
The communique, signed by the National Conflict and Policy Analyst of SFCG-Nigeria, Mr Andy Nkemneme, expressed concern over the actions that undermine peaceful coexistence of individuals and groups based on religious identities.
It condemned all forms of religious discrimination, hate speech, incitement, and violence.
“We urge the government and security agencies to guarantee the protection of religious minorities and ensure that perpetrators of religiously motivated violence are brought to justice.
“We call on all stakeholders, governments, religious leaders, and civil societies to intensify efforts to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities.
“We are of the view that regular interfaith dialogues across geopolitical zones be organised to foster inclusive conversations, reconciliation, and cooperation among faith communities,” it said.
The communique also recommend the integration of FoRB principles into national and subnational policies, development plans, and conflict resolution frameworks.
It emphasised continuous capacity-building for security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the judiciary on FoRB principles.
The group called on all stakeholders to promote dialogue, peacebuilding, and mutual respect among adherents of different faiths while tracking violations of religious freedom and responding to early warning signs of religious conflict.
It also, tasked all Nigerians on engaging government agencies like the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the police in instances of hate speech.
The communique further resolved to activate state-level subcommittees, improve documentation of FoRB violations and engage with key actors at the National Assembly to advocate for policies that would foster freedom of region and belief.
It also reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a just, inclusive, and peaceful Nigeria where everyone can freely practice their beliefs without fear or discrimination by grassroots advocacy and interfaith education.
“We remain committed to protecting the constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as enshrined in Section 38 of the Constitution.
“We are committed to strengthening collaboration between government institutions, religious communities, traditional leaders, the civil society and the family as the smallest unit of the society, in implementing FoRB programmes across the six geopolitical zones.
“We will collaborate with educational institutions, media, and faith-based organisations to enhance religious literacy and civic education, particularly among youth, to curb radicalism and hate speech,” it added. (NAN)