Sultan: preachers of reprisal attacks are enemies of peace

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has condemned religious leaders preaching violence through reprisal attacks, describing them as “enemies of peace”.

He called on Nigerians not to give up on achieving peaceful co-existence despite diverse faith.

Sultan Abubakar spoke at the opening of a two-day conference organised by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID). The conference was themed: “Coordinate to Achieve 2-Inclusive and Sustainable Interreligious Dialogue in Nigeria”.

His words: “We must tell ourselves the truth, irrespective of our religious divides. Those who don’t want peace are out to cause trouble; we must support the government to deal with the enemies of peace in this country.

“Those encouraging violence are not following the true teaching of Christianity and Islam. We should be tolerant of one another and work towards achieving peace in this country, and I have never lost hope as far as the search for peace is concerned. No matter what happens, those championing peace will succeed at the end of the day.”

The monarch called on religious leaders to desist from encouraging violence and urged Muslim leaders to work with Christian leaders to bring peace to Nigeria.

He lauded KAICIID for the initiative and urged participants to ensure that recommendations are implemented.

National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Samuel Ayokunle, who was represented by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, welcomed the conference and expressed the willingness of Christians to preach peace. He said only God had the right to take life and urged all to embrace peace.