The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed fears suggesting that Muslims in Nigeria are working toward eliminating Christians from the country. Speaking during the first triannual meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja, the respected Islamic leader explained that many violent incidents across the country are often wrongly interpreted as religious conflicts, thereby increasing fear, division, and mistrust among citizens. The meeting brought together religious leaders and government officials, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Daniel Okoh, alongside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. During his speech, the Sultan firmly stated that Muslims have no agenda to wipe out Christians in Nigeria, emphasizing that peaceful coexistence remains essential for national unity and development. According to him, both Christians and Muslims must continue to live together peacefully while promoting mutual respect, understanding, and stability throughout the country. He further urged Nigerians to stop attaching religion to criminality, stressing that criminal acts should be identified for what they truly are instead of linking them to any faith group. The Sultan explained that individuals involved in banditry, terrorism, or violent attacks should simply be regarded as criminals and not representatives of Islam or any religion. He noted that even when perpetrators claim to act in the name of religion, their actions contradict the true teachings of Islam. Speaking on the growing misunderstanding surrounding religion in Nigeria, the Sultan highlighted the importance of proper education and religious literacy. He warned that speaking Arabic or possessing limited religious knowledge does not automatically qualify a person to become a respected Islamic scholar. According to him, ignorance and misinformation often contribute to extremism and deepen tensions among communities. The Sultan also reiterated the importance of dialogue in resolving national disagreements and religious misunderstandings. He explained that continuous conversations between different faith groups remain the most effective way to build trust and strengthen unity. He stated that genuine understanding goes beyond mere tolerance and requires people from different religious backgrounds to sincerely listen to and trust one another. Addressing violent extremists who commit crimes while invoking religion, the Sultan condemned such actions and declared that taking innocent lives can never be justified under Islam. He stressed that anyone who carries out attacks against innocent people while shouting religious phrases would ultimately face divine judgment for their actions. Meanwhile, CAN President, Daniel Okoh, emphasized the need for stronger religious education and understanding across Nigeria. He described religious literacy as more than simply studying doctrines or rituals, explaining that it involves developing respect, awareness, and sensitivity toward the beliefs of others. Okoh also noted that several crises in Nigeria are frequently labelled as religious conflicts even when their actual causes are political, economic, or social in nature. According to him, the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council has continued to prove that cooperation between different faith groups is achievable despite religious differences. He added that Christians and Muslims in Nigeria share common values, including peace, justice, respect for human dignity, and national progress. Similarly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stressed that knowledge and understanding are important foundations for national stability. He warned that ignorance often creates suspicion and conflict, while empathy and education help build trust among citizens. Akume further encouraged educational institutions, communities, and religious organizations to promote accurate and inclusive teachings about different religions and worldviews. He urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives capable of creating hatred or disunity within the country. The meeting concluded with renewed calls for dialogue, cooperation, and religious understanding as important tools for promoting peaceful coexistence and national unity in Nigeria.
