For decades, tribal or religious differences in Nigeria have led to instability. Building relationships between people of different tribes, religions and ethnicities contributes to peacebuilding, and has helped reduce conflict in Nigerian states impacted by conflict.
Kaduna State in North West Nigeria is one state that has experienced serious ethnic and religious conflict, initially in the late 1990s and early 2000s but also as recently as 2021. The conflict, often between tribes who are predominantly Muslims and Christians, has led to ethnic cleansing and displacement, with many civilians forced into neighborhoods dominated by their own ethnicity and religion.
Despite the history of mistrust, there are individuals who still maintain cordial relationships with people from other tribes or religions. These connections help restore confidence and trust not only among Kaduna residents, but also across the country, promoting peace and stability by modeling tolerance and inclusivity.
Some citizens have heartwarming stories about how having friends from other tribes and religions has helped them understand other people from different regions of the country, fostering a sense of national unity and harmony. This is why they still maintain such relationships.
Malam Idris Musa
Malam Idris Musa, a traditional title holder of Shattiman Tudun Wada Community and the founder of the Interfaith Mediation Centre in Kaduna State, North West region, explained the need for tolerance and understanding among people of different tribes and religions for the sake of peace.
“As long as there is tolerance and endurance, all things will work fine. But the moment you use politics, saying you were being victimized for being a Muslim or a Christian, you will not get it right.The only way to get it right is by sacrifice, patience, and understanding from others’ points of view. When you put all these into consideration, then you get peace, reconciliation, and tolerance among different ethnic groups.”
He shared his personal experience of attending Saint Augustine Primary as a Muslim in Tudun Wada in the 1960s, which led to him having friends across different tribes. He emphasized the importance of going back to the genesis of the religion to respect each other’s faith and tribe.
“If we can go back to our genuine life to value individuals as Christians or Muslims and not commercialize Islam or Christianity, it will be better for us.”
Pastor James Wuye, Malam Idris, and Imam Nurayn Ashafa
Pastor James Wuye, co-director at the Interfaith Mediation Centre, emphasized the role of building peace among people of different faiths as a solution. He stressed the necessity for people of faith to come together, stating, “As long as people of faith come together to discuss common concerns, there would be that synergy flowing naturally to the followers.”
James emphasized the biblical mandate for Christians to be in peace with others, warning that neglecting this call only leads to violence and hate.
“So there is no alternative to building peace among people of different faiths because that is the only way we can have the kind of peace we are looking for in the society.
“I advocate for that, and I know the more you preach peace, the better the people are. So let’s talk about peace, breach the gaps, work in peace for our followership to see us being transparent about it,” he said.
Speaking about his friendships with individuals from other faiths, including Malam Idris, James emphasized the nobility of fostering such relationships.
James highlighted the significance of his relationship with Imam Nurayn Ashafa, a Muslim cleric and co-executive director at the Interfaith Centre, in building peace.
“Our friendship has gone a long way in making others love God, know God, and live in peace with one another. It’s about learning to live together. As we work together shoulder by shoulder, we realized that our fraternity has a way of healing people,” he explained.
Discussing the centre’s activities, James outlined its role in advocating reconciliation, mediation, trauma support, and bringing divided communities together. The centre’s efforts have led to peace declarations and resolutions of inter-marriage issues.
Ashafaspoke about the role of interfaith from an Islamic perspective, citing Quranic verses encouraging Muslims to engage in dialogue with people of other faiths, cultures, races, and traditions.
“Oh people of the book, let’s come to a common term between us and you so that we reason together and dialogue together,” he quoted from the Quran.
Ashafa also emphasized the positive impact of interfaith dialogue, acknowledging its historical success in Islam. He shared examples of their work in communities, such as Yelwa Shendam, Plateau State, where interfaith dialogue has maintained peace since 2006.
“Interfaith relations and interfaith dialogue are cardinal ethical values that Islam upholds. Every sincere Muslim must work with it, especially in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural setting like ours in Nigeria,” Ashafa stated.
Talking about his relationship with Pastor James Wuye, Ashafa highlighted their role as models of interfaith coexistence, showing that people of different faiths can live side by side, respecting each other’s beliefs.
“We have traveled to different parts of the world as role models show that people of different faith can coexist side by side with different religions, different cultures, different race, different ideological background,” he said.
Sule Adams
Sule Adams, a Gbagyi Christian, shared his experience during the 2000 crisis in Kaduna, where his Muslim Hausa friend saved him and others by guiding them to safety.
“Reflecting on the 2000 crisis, I realized that genuine friendships formed across religious lines are a shield during turbulent times, proving that unity is the cornerstone of community resilience.
“My childhood friend, a Muslim Hausa by tribe, was the one telling us the safe road to follow. He saved our lives by telling the rioters we were all the same in his Hausa language”.
Adams highlighted how sharing experiences has contributed to peace promotion in the community.
“I share my experience not just to recount history but to inspire others to embrace diversity. Our shared humanity should be the guiding principle for building a more harmonious society. If we can return the love and understanding among ourselves irrespective of our differences, it will help us a lot in this country in terms of peace building.”
Aminu Salisu
Aminu Salisu, a Hausa Muslim, emphasized the positive impact of relationships with people from other tribes and religions on his understanding and appreciation of human beings.
“My friendship with Sunday Adaji an Idoma, a Christian from Benue State, taught me that true bonds surpass religious boundaries. His regular visits to my house showcase that genuine connections endure despite external challenges.
“As our community changed after the 2000 crisis, my relationships with people from other tribes and religions have helped shape my understanding of human beings and have also helped me to cherish peace.”
Blessing Eko Sunday
Blessing Eko Sunday, an Egede Christian from Benue State North Central Nigeria shared her story of building a mutual relationship with a Muslim co-worker named Khadija, an Ibira lady from Kogi State breaking stereotypes to promote peaceful coexistence.
“Khadija and I dismantled misconceptions about our tribes through open dialogue. Our friendship exemplifies that understanding and empathy can bridge gaps, fostering a more enlightened society.
“In founding my NGO, Eko Smile Support and Empowerment Initiative, the acceptance I experienced in interfaith friendships translated into a commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing that collaboration across religious lines can positively impact humanitarian efforts.
“My relationship with her (Khadija) helped break that perception, the stereotype I had about her tribe. It helped lead to understanding of her culture, religion and values.The acceptance leads to peaceful coexistence.”
Peace News Network recently published a video exploring efforts to build peace between farmers and herders in Nigeria. You can sign up for our monthly and weekly newsletters to never miss out on future stories on peacebuilding, including upcoming projects on Nigeria.
Mohammed Ibrahim
Mohammed is a multimedia freelance journalist in Kaduna State, Nigeria. He graduated from the International Institute of Journalism Abuja. In 2016 Mohammed received the Courage in Journalism Award for his investigative reporting, from the Africa Media Development Foundation.
