Religious Violence Will Be Treated as Assault on Nigeria

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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and rights of all Nigerians, declaring that citizen protection remains non-negotiable.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, made this known at the close of the maiden session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group meeting held in Abuja, which focused on addressing issues surrounding religious freedom and national security.

Ribadu stressed that any form of violence portrayed along religious divisions would be regarded as a direct threat to the sovereignty of the Nigerian state.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity demands equal protection for all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.

“Nigeria is a deeply diverse nation, and the protection of every citizen — Christians, Muslims, and followers of other faiths — is non-negotiable.

“Any violence presented under religious pretexts will be treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself,” Ribadu stated.

He further explained that the government’s approach to tackling insecurity extends beyond military force, incorporating legal frameworks, humanitarian considerations, and strategic communication to ensure that security achievements build public trust and foster national unity.

“Our strategy integrates security enforcement, adherence to the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and effective communication to ensure that success on the field translates into public confidence and stronger social cohesion,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity across the country, describing the situation as unacceptable.

Obi blamed the government for allowing insecurity to spread without adequate resistance, stating that the persistent reports of violent incidents reflect a troubling failure of leadership.

Reacting to conflicting accounts surrounding the alleged abduction of worshippers from a church in Kaduna State, the former Anambra State governor noted that the recurrence of such incidents highlights a broader crisis of safety, unity, and governance.

He referenced similar security challenges in several states, including Benue, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Plateau, urging authorities to urgently rise to their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

Obi also criticized reports claiming that the administration of President Bola Tinubu spent millions of dollars on foreign lobbyists to manage its international image, arguing that such resources should instead be invested in securing communities.

“Recently, communities in Benue, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Plateau have suffered equally horrific security breaches. Nigeria is not officially at war, yet we continue to count casualties at levels surpassing those seen in conflict zones. A government that can mobilize resources for propaganda, waste, and foreign lobbying but fails to secure its people has clearly misplaced its priorities.

“I was informed that about 172 worshippers were reportedly abducted from churches in Kaduna over the weekend. This tragic development reflects how insecurity has become normalized in our society, which should never be the case.

“Even as authorities dispute these reports, the frequency of such incidents alone signals a deeper crisis of leadership, safety, and unity. Can we continue living this way — waking daily to reports of mass kidnappings, conflicting figures, and official denials, while citizens remain trapped in fear?

“To the people of Kaduna, you are not alone. We stand with you. To the families affected, we share your pain and pray for the safe return of all abducted persons and speedy recovery for the injured.

“If the denials are accurate, we thank God. If otherwise, we urge security agencies to act swiftly and decisively.

“Nigeria deserves leadership that places the highest value on human life. The time to confront insecurity is now. A New Nigeria is Possible,” Obi stated in a message shared on his verified 𝕏 account on Tuesday.