Nigeria’s Youth Demand Justice and Reforms to End Ethno-Religious Violence
The Coalition of Nigerian Youths for Peace and National Unity has called for urgent action to stop rising ethno-religious violence in the country. At a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, the group urged leaders to address the root causes of division between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria.
Recent Killings Spark National Concern
The press briefing came after two tragic events:
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The mob killing of 16 northern youths falsely accused of kidnapping in Uromi, Edo State
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The murder of Deborah Samuel, a Christian student in Sokoto, over alleged blasphemy
“These are not isolated cases,” said the Coalition. “They show how deep the problems are—ethnic hate, religious intolerance, and injustice are hurting our country.”
Why Nigeria Is Divided
The group said many problems started in 1914, when the British joined the north and south without respecting cultural or religious differences. Since then, issues like unequal resource sharing, ethnic conflicts, and political games have made things worse.
States like Jos, Kaduna, Benue, and Taraba often see violence between ethnic and religious groups. The use of Sharia law and the abuse of identity politics have also added to the conflict.
What the Youths Are Asking For
The Coalition proposed a list of solutions to bring peace:
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Constitutional reform to solve the indigene-settler crisis
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Equal rights to land, jobs, and opportunities
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Inclusive governance to represent all ethnic groups
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Peace education and interfaith dialogue led by religious leaders
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Community-based mediation, like the Kaduna Peace Commission
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Job creation and economic development in poor regions
“Peace is not possible without justice and fairness,” they said.
A Message to Leaders, Religious Groups, and Citizens
The Coalition sent a clear message to political leaders:
“Stop using tribal and religious differences to win elections. Lead with unity and fairness.”
They also urged religious leaders to preach peace, quoting the Bible and Quran:
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“Love your neighbor as yourself” – Bible
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“Make peace among yourselves” – Quran
Nigerians were told to reject hate and see each other as one people.
Justice for Uromi and Sokoto Victims
The group demanded full investigations into the killings in Uromi and Sokoto. They said justice must be served to rebuild public trust.
They also called on security agencies to avoid using force and instead work with local leaders and use intelligence-based policing.
A Call for Unity and Hope
The Coalition ended the conference with a hopeful message:
“Nigeria’s diversity is not a curse. It is our strength. We must come together with justice, dialogue, and development.”
They quoted Nelson Mandela:
“Safety and security don’t just happen. They are the result of collective effort and public investment.”
Their final appeal was to all Nigerians, young and old, Muslim and Christian, north and south, to unite for peace.
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