DCCN backs Sultan of Sokoto’s remarks on religious harmony, urges Nigerians to reject divisive narratives
By KEMI KASUMU
According to the council, the Sultan’s statement that “Muslims are not planning to wipe out Christians in Nigeria” reflects both the teachings of Islam and the reality of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.
The Da’awah Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN) has commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his recent remarks condemning the misrepresentation of religion in discussions around insecurity in Nigeria.
In a press release dated May 10, 2026, and signed by DCCN President, Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, the council expressed “full support” for the Sultan’s comments made during the first triannual meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) held in Abuja on May 6.
According to the council, the Sultan’s statement that “Muslims are not planning to wipe out Christians in Nigeria” reflects both the teachings of Islam and the reality of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.
The DCCN also endorsed the Sultan’s call to describe perpetrators of violence as “criminals, not Muslim terrorists,” describing the position as a necessary correction to narratives capable of deepening religious divisions in the country.
The council urged Nigerians, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, the media, and civil society organisations, to reject attempts to portray insecurity as a religious conflict.
“Bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists have no religion,” the statement said, adding that both Islam and Christianity condemn violence against innocent people.
The organisation further called for increased religious literacy, interfaith dialogue, and equal justice for all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, noting that sustainable peace can only thrive where justice prevails.
As part of its commitments, the DCCN pledged to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the peaceful teachings of Islam, strengthen partnerships with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), NIREC, and government institutions, and encourage Islamic clerics and preachers to promote unity rather than division.
The statement concluded with an appeal for national unity, stressing that no religion supports the killing of innocent people and urging Nigerians to work collectively towards justice, peace, and harmony.
