From Femi Oyelola,, Kaduna
The Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC), has called for calm and peaceful coexistence amid increasing insecurity in parts of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State and escalating political tension in Kaduna State.
The center urges government and security agencies to act quickly to prevent further violence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Rev. Michael Ijah Ikpa, Director of the Center’s Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) system, it noted that reports of violence, attacks, and displacement in Benue have heightened fear and uncertainty among residents and threaten community safety and development efforts.
Ikpa pointed out that the situation in Benue, combined with rising political tension across Nigeria—especially in Kaduna State following the reported death of a politician in Tudun Wada Community in Kaduna South—demands urgent and coordinated action by government, security agencies, community leaders, and citizens.
“Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident, such developments have the potential to fuel rumors, provoke reprisals, and increase political and communal mistrust if not handled professionally and transparently,” he stated.
The IMC extended condolences to the families of victims of violence and insecurity, praying for comfort for the bereaved, healing for the injured, and lasting peace for affected communities.
The center urges citizens to stay calm, abide by the law, and refrain from sharing unverified information, hate speech, or inflammatory messages on social media that could escalate tensions.
It also calls on the Federal Government, the governments of Benue and Kaduna States, and all security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen community-based security mechanisms, and ensure that perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to the statement, timely, transparent, and unbiased investigations into all reported incidents are crucial for maintaining public trust.
Ikpa further encourages political leaders, party supporters, religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, women leaders, and civil society organizations to foster dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful engagement.
“Political differences must never become a justification for violence, intimidation, or the destruction of lives and property,” he emphasized.
The IMC also urges communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible, timely information to prevent attacks and save lives, stressing that community vigilance and peaceful conflict resolution are vital in preventing violence.
The center reaffirms its dedication to working with government institutions, faith leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, security agencies, and development partners to bolster early warning systems, prevent conflicts, and promote peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
“Together, let us choose peace over violence, dialogue over confrontation, and unity over division,” the statement concluded.
