The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has expressed deep concern over the current unrest in the country.

In a statement signed by the Sultan, Archbishop Okoh, and Rev. Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, NIREC’s Executive Secretary, the council acknowledged the widespread hunger and hardship facing Nigerians but emphasized that civil unrest is not the solution. “NIREC hereby calls on fellow citizens of Nigeria to please call off this protest and give the Government a chance to redeem itself,” the statement urged.

The council noted that the protests, which began peacefully on August 1, 2024, under the banner of #EndBadGovernance, have unfortunately turned violent, resulting in loss of lives and property. “In just one day, lives and an enormous amount of property have been destroyed. Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period; only God knows the extent of damage that would be incurred,” the council warned.

NIREC also called on security agencies to act professionally in their duties and urged the government to quickly address the citizens’ grievances to restore peace and stability. “We need a peaceful and tranquil nation we can be proud to call our own. May God bless us all,” the statement concluded.

The initial protests started despite government pleas to postpone them, fearing a repeat of the EndSARS demonstrations. Now, the situation has escalated, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution.