24/06/2026
WHY THE SILENCE? THE URGENT NEED FOR MOSQUES AND CHURCHES TO CONSISTENTLY PREACH AGAINST KIDNAPPING, BANDITRY AND TERRORISM IN NIGERIA
By Chief Aiyenale Fred, Lagos Nigeria
Nigeria stands today at a critical crossroads. Across the country, innocent citizens are being kidnapped from their homes, schools, farms, highways, and places of work. Communities are being attacked by bandits. Terrorists continue to unleash violence on women, children, security personnel, and vulnerable populations. Thousands have lost their lives, livelihoods, and peace of mind.
Yet, amid this national tragedy, an important question deserves serious reflection:
Why are there not consistent sermons every Friday in our mosques and every Sunday in our churches specifically condemning kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and violent crimes? Why the silence?
This is not an attack on religion or religious leaders. Rather, it is a call for greater moral leadership at a time when Nigeria desperately needs it.
A MORAL CRISIS REQUIRES A MORAL RESPONSE
Many of those involved in violent crimes publicly identify themselves as Muslims or Christians. While their actions clearly contradict the teachings of both faiths, religious institutions cannot afford to remain passive observers.
Mosques and churches are among the most influential institutions in Nigeria. Every week, millions of Nigerians gather for worship. Religious leaders command enormous respect and possess the ability to shape attitudes, values, and behavior.
If sermons can address prosperity, family life, marriage, charity, and politics, they should also consistently address the grave sin of kidnapping, murder, terrorism, banditry, extortion, and violence against innocent people.
The nation needs a united moral voice declaring unequivocally:
Kidnapping is evil.
Banditry is evil.
Terrorism is evil.
Murder is evil.
Violence against innocent people is evil.
There should be no ambiguity and no justification.
THE POSITION OF THE HOLY BIBLE
The Bible strongly condemns murder, violence, oppression, and the abuse of fellow human beings.
In the Ten Commandments, God clearly instructs:
“Thou shalt not kill.” — Exodus 20:13
Human life is sacred because every person is created in the image of God.
Genesis 9:6 states:
“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”
The Bible further condemns kidnapping and human exploitation.
Exodus 21:16 declares:
“Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.”
The New Testament equally teaches believers to live in peace and reject evil.
Romans 12:17-18 states:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
These passages leave no room for kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, or criminal violence.
THE POSITION OF THE HOLY QUR'AN
Islam equally places a high value on human life and strongly condemns unjust killing.
The Holy Qur'an states:
“Whoever kills a person unless for a soul or for corruption done in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” — Qur'an 5:32
This verse emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the seriousness of murder.
The Qur'an also commands justice and righteousness:
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct and oppression.” — Qur'an 16:90
Regarding terrorism, violence, and spreading fear among innocent people, the Qur'an warns:
“The recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption in the land is severe punishment.” — Qur'an 5:33
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized mercy and protection of innocent lives, teaching that a true believer does not oppress, terrorize, or harm others.
These teachings clearly demonstrate that kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and criminal violence have no legitimate place in Islam.
Even in War, There Must Be a Line of Conscience
One of the most disturbing realities of modern insecurity is the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians.
Women are abducted.
Children are kidnapped.
Farmers are killed.
Travelers are ambushed.
Communities are displaced.
Even in conventional warfare, international humanitarian principles recognize the need to protect civilians. There are rules governing armed conflict.
As the saying goes:
“Even in war, there must be a line of conscience.”
How much more in a society that is not officially at war?
No grievance, ideology, ethnic agenda, political objective, or religious claim can justify the kidnapping of school children, the murder of worshippers, the destruction of villages, or the extortion of families struggling to survive.
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Religious leaders must become more intentional in addressing these issues.
Every Friday Khutbah and every Sunday sermon should consistently include messages that:
- Condemn kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes.
- Teach the sanctity of human life.
- Encourage cooperation with lawful authorities.
- Promote peace, justice, and coexistence.
- Discourage youth recruitment into criminal networks.
- Encourage communities to report suspicious activities.
- Provide moral guidance to those tempted by violence and criminality.
Silence can sometimes be interpreted as indifference. At a time when the nation is bleeding, religious institutions must be among the loudest voices defending life and human dignity.
A CALL FOR A UNITED FAITH FRONT AGAINST VIOLENCE
This is not a Muslim problem. It is not a Christian problem. It is a Nigerian problem.
The victims are Muslims and Christians alike.
The tears of a grieving mother have no religion.
The pain of a kidnapped child has no ethnicity.
The fear experienced by families living under the threat of violence knows no denominational boundaries.
Nigeria needs a united faith front where pastors, bishops, imams, scholars, and religious organizations speak with one voice:
No to kidnapping.
No to banditry.
No to terrorism.
No to violence against innocent people.
CONCLUSION
The battle against insecurity cannot be won by security agencies alone. It requires the participation of families, schools, communities, traditional institutions, civil society, and religious organizations.
Mosques and churches possess enormous moral influence. Their pulpits and minbars can become powerful instruments for shaping conscience, discouraging violence, and reinforcing the sacred value of human life.
The time has come for consistent, uncompromising preaching against kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and all forms of violent criminality.
Nigeria needs not only stronger security operations but also stronger moral voices.
And perhaps the question must continue to be asked until action follows:
Why are there not consistent sermons every Friday and every Sunday condemning these atrocities? Why the silence?