The Yari Roundtable for Inter-Religious Harmony has convened a major interfaith summit in Abuja, bringing together leading Christian and Muslim clerics to discuss practical, community-driven solutions to the deepening insecurity ravaging Northern Nigeria.
The well-attended meeting drew prominent religious leaders, scholars, and dignitaries from across the 19 northern states, all united in their resolve to chart a fresh and sustainable path toward peace, unity, and stability in the region.
In his opening remarks, former Senator Shehu Sani said the worsening violence in the North—marked by terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and other violent crimes—made the summit both urgent and necessary. He emphasised the need for leaders to confront the underlying causes of insecurity rather than responding only after tragedies occur.
According to him, the Roundtable was established to listen directly to clerics and community stakeholders, gather credible insights, and produce a harmonised report that government authorities can work with.
“We must stop being reactive as leaders,” Sani said. “The bold step we are taking today is to seek solutions through a bottom-up approach. It is clear that the North cannot develop under the weight of insecurity. We must confront the issues honestly and find lasting solutions once and for all.”
He urged religious leaders to support the government by using their places of worship to promote messages of peace, harmony, and responsible citizenship. Sani expressed satisfaction with the “robust and enriching” discussions at the summit, noting that the contributions of participants reflected a shared desire for lasting peace.
According to him, the Yari Roundtable for Interreligious Harmony is committed to building a collective response to the growing insecurity, stressing that terrorism and banditry pose a common threat to all communities regardless of faith or ethnicity.
Sani further underscored that interfaith collaboration remains essential in promoting peace, tolerance, and collective responsibility. He called on Christian and Muslim leaders to work together to rebuild trust and mobilise communities against violent extremism.
Religious leaders at the summit praised Senator Abdul Aziz Yari—the former Zamfara State governor and founder of the Roundtable—for initiating what they described as a bold and timely platform. They noted that clerics have a critical role in shaping public opinion, promoting coexistence, and discouraging radicalisation at the grassroots.
Participants expressed optimism that the summit uncovered key drivers of insecurity and produced targeted recommendations. They stressed that, if fully implemented by federal, state, and local authorities, the proposals could significantly improve security and accelerate peacebuilding efforts across the North.
They also urged political leaders, security agencies, and citizens to support the resolutions and sustain regular interfaith engagements as a long-term mechanism for peace and development.
Among the prominent religious leaders present were Archbishop James Mafita, Sheikh Salisu Abdullahi Maibarota, Rev. Gideon Mutum, Dr. Umar Zaria, Dr. Sadiq Doka, Bishop Salisu Bala (JP), Bishop Livingston Achili, Bishop Obadiah Gideon Bako, and Sheikh Adam Binani, among several others.
Senator Abdul Aziz Yari founded the Yari Roundtable for Interreligious Harmony to strengthen collaboration among religious communities and promote peace, unity, and mutual understanding across the 19 northern states.
South South Times . 