Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan Calls on Muslim Communities in Nigeria to Act Against Extremist Preachers Fueling Terrorism and Reject Violence
In a strong appeal to religious leaders and communities, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has called on Muslims to sanction preachers fueling terrorism and extremist ideologies that contribute to insecurity in Nigeria. Lawan emphasized that religious teachings should promote peace and unity, not violence or division, highlighting the important role communities play in addressing harmful narratives.
Speaking in Abuja, Lawan said that extremist messages spread by some unregulated or radical preachers can distort the true teachings of Islam and, in some cases, be misused to justify violence. He urged Muslim communities across the country to take responsibility by holding such individuals accountable and preventing them from influencing others with dangerous interpretations.
“We must refuse teachings that promote harm and instead uphold the values of peace and tolerance,” Ahmad stated, stressing that sanctioning preachers who fuel terrorism is part of a broader effort to protect national unity and public safety.
Lawan’s comments come as Nigeria continues to address security challenges, with various actors working to prevent extremist influence in local communities. He reiterated that true Islamic teachings do not condone violence, and encouraged Muslim leaders to actively promote messages of tolerance, respect, and social cohesion.
According to Lawan, engaging faith-based communities in efforts to counter harmful narratives is key to long-term peace and stability. He highlighted the need for:
- Encouraging moderate and peaceful religious leadership
- Supporting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding
- Collaborating with civil society and government initiatives to counter misinformation and reduce tensions
Lawan believes that by strengthening community leadership and rejecting extremist interpretations of religion, Nigeria can build resilience against influences that threaten peace. His call reflects a growing focus on community-led approaches to reducing insecurity and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.
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