Religious leaders seek action on rising faith-based killings

Some Nigerian religious leaders have urged the Federal Government to set up a body that will protect the rights of citizens to practise their faith freely.

At a roundtable held in Abuja by the Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria, the clerics expressed worry over the rise in faith-related attacks across the country.

They said reports show that between 2019 and 2023, over 16,000 Christians and more than 6,000 Muslims were killed in incidents linked to religious tension.

The group blamed weak prosecution and poor enforcement of laws for the continued violence. It called on the government to recognise the problem and involve credible leaders from both religions in finding lasting peace.