President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders in Africa and beyond to speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the use of religion to justify violence.
Tinubu said genuine religious service could not be advanced through the destruction of innocent lives.
He made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.
Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, the President charged religious institutions to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral formation of young people.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty. Your institutions and networks must become stronger in the advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the formation of upright young men and women.
“You must also remind political leaders of justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances must never become permission for lawlessness or violence. Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred,” the President said.
Tinubu said the gathering came at a consequential moment, with societies facing conflicts, uncertainty, climate, food and energy shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes and manipulation of identity and religion.
Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report, he said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, underscoring the need for spiritual leaders to help heal wounds, resolve grievances and combat hatred.
The President said the Tijjaniyya community’s extensive networks across West Africa, North Africa and beyond could support reconciliation, counter violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian solidarity.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, economic integration and dialogue, noting that the country’s stability has consequences beyond its borders.
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria. It also means that religious communities with deep transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, can be valuable partners in building an architecture of social peace that complements the work of governments and regional institutions,” he said.
