Tinubu urges clerics to speak against terrorism and kidnapping

President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders across Nigeria to consistently denounce terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. Speaking in Kano, Tinubu urged them to actively combat the misuse of religion to justify violence and cruelty.

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

Delivering a goodwill message via the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, President Tinubu emphasized the vital role religious leaders play in confronting extremism and the manipulation of faith. He encouraged religious institutions to strengthen their advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, and the moral development of young people.

Tinubu stressed that spiritual leaders should also leverage their influence to foster justice, responsibility, and compassion, promoting the peaceful resolution of grievances. He stated, "Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty." He also urged them to remind political leaders of their duties and citizens that legitimate grievances do not permit lawlessness.

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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.

The President noted that the gathering occurred during a period of global uncertainty, marked by conflicts, climate and food shocks, violent extremism, and the manipulation of identity. He cited a UN report indicating 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by the end of 2025, underscoring the increasing importance of spiritual leaders' interventions. Tinubu believes these leaders "guard the frontiers of conscience" by healing wounds and addressing deep-seated hatred.

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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 specifically mentioned the Tijjaniyya community's extensive networks, suggesting they could deploy their influence towards reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance, and humanitarian support. The Federal Government, he affirmed, recognizes the contributions of religious and traditional leaders in promoting tolerance, countering misinformation, and fostering peaceful coexistence, while reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to regional cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts.

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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.