Tinubu Urges Clerics To Speak Against Terrorism, Kidnapping

President Bola Tinubu has asked religious and spiritual leaders to speak more firmly against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the use of religion to defend violence.

The appeal was delivered on Sunday in Kano through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.

Tinubu said religious institutions should strengthen peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral training of young people. He also urged clerics to remind political leaders about justice and responsibility while warning citizens against turning grievances into violence.

Both reports said the President told the gathering that no genuine service to God could be advanced by destroying innocent human life. Vanguard reported that the message was addressed to the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars and adherents from Nigeria and other countries.

Tinubu also linked the appeal to wider security pressures across the Sahel and West Africa. Punch reported that he cited a UNHCR figure showing 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025.

The President said Nigeria remained committed to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue. He described religious and traditional leaders as important partners in promoting tolerance and countering misinformation.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard