07/11/2025
Religion and Ethnicity Are Not Nigeria’s Problems
Religion has never been the problem of Nigeria, neither has ethnicity. No true Muslim or Christian takes pleasure in shedding innocent blood. The sanctity of life is sacred, regardless of religion or tribe.
In Exodus 20:13, the Bible declares, “You shall not commit murder.” Again, in the Ten Commandments, God says, “Thou shalt not kill.” Similarly, the Holy Qur’an affirms in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32) that “whoever kills a soul…it shall be as if he had killed all of mankind; and whoever saves one life, it shall be as if he had saved all of mankind.”
Every religion preaches peace. Our diversity, rather than a curse, is a divine blessing,one that has historically driven progress, creativity, and unity among our people. Sadly, a cog has been placed in that wheel of progress.
Can we honestly deny that people of different religions and tribes in Nigeria are not partners in the same vices such as terrorism, kidnapping, corruption, banditry, and other crimes? The truth is that insecurity does not exist in isolation. There are unseen hands, sponsors who remain invisible while instigating crises for selfish political and economic gain.
Until we rise above religious and ethnic sentiments and unite to confront our common enemies, those who have weaponized our differences against the sanctity of life, against the will of the Almighty, and against humanity itself, we risk playing into their hands. Their aim is to divide us, destroy our unity, and destabilize our nation for their personal benefit.
What Nigeria urgently needs is collective action to address the insecurity that threatens us all. Let us stand together, not as Christians or Muslims, not as Northerners or Southerners, but as Nigerians, united in our pursuit of peace, justice, and progress.
Ummah Peace Foundation
Fostering Unity, Promoting Peace
