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

Former Governor of Zamfara State and serving Senator, Abdulaziz Yari, through his organisation — Yari Roundtable for Inter-Religious Harmony — has convened a high-level interfaith summit bringing together Christian and Muslim leaders to discuss practical solutions to the persistent insecurity confronting Northern Nigeria.

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

In his opening remarks, Senator Yari 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,” Yari stated. “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.”

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.