Yari Roundtable Convenes Interfaith Summit to Proffer Lasting Solutions for Peace in the North

Yari Roundtable Convenes Interfaith Summit to Proffer Lasting Solutions for Peace in the North

Yari Roundtable for Inter-Religious Harmony organisation  convened a high-level interfaith summit bringing together Christian and Muslim leaders to discuss practical solutions to the persistent insecurity confronting Northern Nigeria.

The well attended strategic meeting, held in Abuja, drew prominent religious leaders, and dignitaries from across 19 northern states, all united in their commitment to chart a new course for peace and stability in the region.

In his opening remarks, Senator Shehu Sani ,who attended  the event,said the summit became necessary in view of the worsening security challenges in the North. He stressed that leaders must confront the realities fueling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

According to him, the roundtable was designed to listen directly to religious leaders and community stakeholders, gather credible insights, and produce a harmonised report for relevant authorities to act upon.

“We must stop being reactive as leaders" . “The bold step we are taking today is to seek solutions through a bottom-up approach. It is clear that the North cannot develop under the weight of insecurity. We must confront the issues honestly and find lasting solutions once and for all.”

Speaking further during the Senator Shehu Sani charged the clerics to support government using worship place, to propagate messages of peace and harmony.

The former lawmaker who expressing satisfaction over what he described a rubost discussions during strategic meeting , he said " We all feel highly enriched by the contributions and experiences narrated  by the  participants "

According bro him , the Yari Roundtable for Interreligious Harmony seeks to tackle how we can we collectively find peace and fight terrorism that bedevilled our nation 

Having collectively agreed that terrorism and banditry is a common danger and threat to people,there is a need to proffer solutions 

He further noted that interfaith collaboration remains critical in promoting peace, tolerance, and collective responsibility in the fight against insecurity. He emphasised that Christian and Muslim leaders must work together to rebuild trust and mobilise communities against violent extremism.

Religious leaders at the event commended Senator Yari for initiating the maiden interfaith roundtable, describing it as timely and courageous. They underscored the pivotal role of clerics in shaping public opinion, promoting unity, and discouraging radicalisation within communities.

They expressed optimism that the robust discussions at the summit had uncovered key drivers of insecurity and stressed that if the recommendations are fully implemented by federal, state, and local governments, the region will witness significant improvement in the battle against insurgency and banditry.

The clerics also urged political leaders, security agencies, and citizens to support the resolutions and sustain interfaith engagements as a sustainable pathway to peace and development.

Prominent religious leaders present at the summit included Archbishop James Mafita, Sheikh Salisu Abdullahi Maibarota, Rev. Gideon Mutum, Dr. Umar Zaria, Dr. Sadiq Doka, Bishop Salisu Bala (JP), Bishop Livingston Achili, Bishop Obadiah Gideon Bako, and Sheikh Adam Binani, among several others.

The former Zamfara Governor, and lawmaker, Senator Abdul Aziz Yari founded the organization to create a platform for Interreligious Harmony ,peace and unity across the 19 Northern states .