The press briefing, themed “Addressing Ethno-Religious Tensions and Historical Grievances Between Northern and Southern Nigeria: The Way Forward”, was sparked by recent tragedies that underscore the deadly consequences of national disunity—namely, the mob killing of 16 northern youths falsely accused of kidnapping in Uromi, Edo State, and the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a Christian student in Sokoto State, lynched over alleged blasphemy.

“These atrocities are not isolated,” said the Coalition in its communiqué. “They reflect systemic fractures—ethnic polarization, religious intolerance, and unresolved historical injustices—that threaten the very foundation of our nationhood.”

The Coalition highlighted critical drivers of division, such as the enduring indigene-settler conflicts in places like Jos and Kaduna, the politicization of Sharia law, and the dangerous manipulation of ethnic and religious identities by political elites, particularly in states like Benue, Taraba, Niger, Edo, and Delta.

The group traced many of Nigeria’s challenges to the colonial-era amalgamation of the north and south in 1914—an act they said ignored cultural and religious differences and laid the groundwork for today’s strife. Post-independence inequality and lopsided resource distribution have only deepened these wounds.

“The nation has paid a steep price,” the Coalition noted, citing the thousands of lives lost in sectarian violence, the displacement of countless families, and the economic stagnation that discourages investment in conflict-prone regions.

In response, the Coalition proposed a comprehensive set of reforms. Key among them is constitutional reform to resolve indigene-settler tensions, ensure equal access to land and opportunities, and promote inclusive governance.

The group also called for strengthened interfaith dialogue, urging religious leaders to promote tolerance in line with teachings from both the Bible and Quran. Community-based mediation mechanisms, modeled after Kaduna State’s Peace Commission, were also recommended as grassroots tools for conflict resolution.

Recognizing the role of poverty and unemployment in fueling violence, the Coalition pressed for targeted economic development in marginalized regions to bridge socio-economic gaps that often underlie communal unrest.

Direct appeals were made to Nigeria’s leaders, religious bodies, citizens, and security agencies. Political elites were urged to stop exploiting ethnic divisions for electoral gains and instead lead with inclusivity and justice.

To faith institutions, the Coalition appealed: “Reject extremism in all its forms; preach tolerance as mandated by both the Quran—‘make peace among yourselves’—and the Bible—‘love thy neighbor as thyself.’”

Citizens were similarly encouraged to rise above stereotypes and tribal labels in the pursuit of national unity.

The Coalition issued an urgent plea to security agencies, stressing the need for intelligence-driven operations, conflict-sensitive policing, and enhanced community security partnerships.

They urged authorities to move away from the heavy-handed tactics that have inflamed tensions in states like Plateau and Kaduna and instead prioritize grassroots intelligence gathering and collaboration with traditional and local leaders.

Transparent investigations into the Uromi and Sokoto killings were also demanded to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s justice system.

Ending the conference on a hopeful note, the Coalition reaffirmed its belief in a unified Nigeria strengthened by its diversity.

“Nigeria’s cultures, religions, and ethnicities are not a curse—they are our collective strength,” the statement read. “We must transform our divisions into unity through justice, dialogue, mediation, and inclusive development.”

Quoting Nelson Mandela, the Coalition concluded: “Safety and security don’t just happen—they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.”

They called on all Nigerians—north and south, Christian and Muslim, young and old—to commit to building a nation where every citizen can live without fear, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.0