… Warn Media Against Sensational Reports Capable Of Fuelling Tension
The Ogun State League of Imams and Alfas has cautioned the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) against what it described as “alarmist and divisive statements” capable of inciting religious tension and undermining national unity.
The League expressed concern over recent comments allegedly made by CAN, which suggested a “calculated genocide” against Christians in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Secretary-General, Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, the Islamic body described the allegation as “unsubstantiated and dangerous,” warning that such narratives could inflame passions and deepen mistrust among adherents of different faiths.
Quoting the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the League reaffirmed the need for restraint and responsible leadership among religious figures.
“Leaders of faith-based organizations must exercise utmost responsibility in their utterances and actions, recognizing that words carry enormous power to either build or destroy,” the League stated.
The statement emphasized that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity — including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping — affects all citizens regardless of faith.
“The blood of innocent Nigerians, Christians and Muslims alike, has been shed in equal measure by criminals whose agenda is neither religious nor godly,” the statement continued.
“To portray terrorism as a religious war against one faith is misleading and unjust to the countless Muslims who have also been victims of these atrocities.”
The League urged CAN and other religious bodies to refrain from issuing statements that could create unnecessary fear or stoke divisions. Instead, it called for collaboration among all religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance, and reconciliation.
“Nigeria needs unity and solidarity, not divisive rhetoric,” the clerics stressed.
“As leaders of faith, we must rise above sentiments and act as bridge-builders, ensuring that religion remains an instrument of harmony and national progress.”
The group also cautioned journalists against unverified or sensational reporting on religious matters, warning that irresponsible media practices could heighten tensions and threaten national stability.
“The media remains a powerful institution that shapes public opinion. Every story must be diligently verified before publication. Misinformation can set the country on fire,” the League warned.
It lamented that some media outlets had become “willing tools” in promoting divisive stories that unfairly target Muslims and distort interfaith realities in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Senior Adviser to the U.S. President on Arab and African Affairs, Mr. Massad Boulos, who visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, reportedly dismissed claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Boulos was quoted as saying that “terrorism recognises no colour or religion, and people of all faiths have suffered from terrorist acts.”
The Ogun State League of Imams and Alfas concluded by calling for engagement between the media, regulatory bodies, and religious leaders to ensure more ethical and balanced coverage of national issues.
“Our common enemy is not one another, but the forces of terror, criminality, and disunity.
“We must all work together to preserve peace, justice, and the unity of Nigeria,”the League declared.
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