KADUNA — Top Islamic leaders and political figures from Northern Nigeria have raised the alarm over the growing wave of insecurity and the reckless use of social media, warning that the nation could descend into chaos if swift action is not taken.
The call was made during a high-level Northern Ulamas Summit held in Kaduna, attended by key religious and political figures. Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, was the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, who emphasized the urgent need for unity among Muslim clerics and communities.
“This is the moment for the Muslim Ummah to unite,” the Sultan stressed. “Our scholars must spread messages of peace, tolerance, and national cohesion in line with Islamic teachings. Social media, which is increasingly used to sow division and hatred, must be guided by moral responsibility and regulation.”
Doguwa Calls for Stronger Collaboration
Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, urged greater cooperation between religious leaders and lawmakers, noting that peacebuilding and national stability require collective effort.
“Security is everyone’s concern,” Doguwa said. “We in the National Assembly are ready to back any initiative that fosters unity, strengthens good governance, and promotes Islamic values.”
Yari: “The Solution Lies Within Us”
Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari, reminded participants that insecurity initially took root in Muslim-dominated regions before spreading nationwide. He urged introspection and community-led solutions instead of government blame.
“We can’t continue pointing fingers,” Yari stated. “The solution lies within our communities — through unity, collective action, and honest dialogue.”
He also cautioned against unrealistic economic expectations, emphasizing that Nigerians must embrace hard work and productivity.
“We can’t sleep in our rooms and expect to become billionaires. It’s time we face economic realities and work hard to change our situation,” he said.
On the spread of fake news and hate speech, Yari underscored the dangers of social media misuse.
“Social media spares no one — rich or poor,” he warned. “We need regulation to prevent abuse while still protecting freedom of expression.”
Gumi Links Banditry to Poverty and External Manipulation
Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, attributed the rise in banditry and violence to poverty and external exploitation. He claimed that some foreign actors manipulate impoverished herders to destabilize the region.
“There are external forces interested in Nigeria’s mineral wealth who use poor and uneducated herders as tools,” Gumi said. “We must engage in honest dialogue among Islamic groups and resolve these issues internally.”
Summit Resolution: Dialogue, Cooperation, and Reform
At the end of the Kaduna summit, the Islamic leaders adopted a joint resolution focused on:
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Strengthening unity and dialogue among Islamic sects.
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Promoting peace, moral reorientation, and economic empowerment.
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Enhancing the role of religious leadership in combating insecurity and disunity.
The summit concluded with renewed commitment from the region’s clerics and political stakeholders to work together in restoring peace, addressing social vices, and rebuilding trust across Northern Nigeria.
