Tinubu urges clerics to speak against terrorism, kidnapping

President Bola Tinubu urged religious and spiritual leaders to denounce terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and the wrongful use of religion to incite violence. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu made the appeal on Sunday during the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani in Kano. He emphasized the pivotal role religious leaders play in combating violence, extremism, and the abuse of faith for harmful intentions.

Tinubu urged these leaders to bolster efforts for peace education, religious education, scholarship, and the moral growth of young individuals. He also called for religious institutions to employ their influence to advocate for justice, responsibility, compassion, and peaceful dispute resolution. "Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty," Tinubu stated.

Furthermore, he reminded religious leaders to remind political authorities of the importance of justice, responsibility, and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances should never justify lawlessness or violence. Ultimately, Tinubu emphasized that true service to Allah involves safeguarding innocent human life, which is sacred in the eyes of Allah.