IPCR Urges Nigerians to Reject Divisive Religious Narratives for National Unity

The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Joseph Ochogwu, has called on religious leaders and policymakers to reject narratives that divide people based on religion. He warned that such narratives could increase religious tensions and harm national unity. Ochogwu made these comments on Friday in Abuja during a dialogue aimed at promoting peace and security in Nigeria.

The event was organized by the IPCR in collaboration with the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. The theme of the meeting was about moving beyond an ‘us versus them’ mentality to strengthen governance and protect freedom of religion in Nigeria.

Ochogwu emphasized that protecting religious freedom requires honest discussions, accountable institutions, and cooperation between the government, religious groups, and communities. He expressed concern that exaggerated reports of insecurity, particularly those that link violence solely to religious identities, could worsen mistrust and deepen divisions among Nigerians.

He noted that the issue of religious identity in violence has gained national and international attention, especially after the United States labeled Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to ongoing attacks against specific religious communities. Ochogwu stressed the importance of factual and balanced discussions on these issues to promote peace rather than further division.

In addition to Ochogwu’s remarks, Professor Shehu Zuru from Nile University pointed to hatred and weak leadership as key factors behind Nigeria’s social divisions. He called for local government autonomy to improve governance and address insecurity effectively.

John Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, also spoke at the event. He warned against framing Nigeria’s security issues as merely conflicts between Christians and Muslims, stating that this perspective overlooks the real causes of violence. He urged Nigerians to report criminal activities regardless of the perpetrator’s religious background.

Both speakers highlighted the need for stronger grassroots engagement and training for security agencies to ensure respect for human rights and religious freedoms. They emphasized that everyone should be held accountable under the law, regardless of their religious or ethnic identity.