Rejecting Divisive Religious Narratives: A Call to Action by IPCR

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on religious leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in Nigeria to reject divisive religious narratives. According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the Director-General of the IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu, made this appeal during a forum on religious harmony. Ochogwu noted that these divisive narratives have the potential to widen the religious divide in the country, leading to conflict and instability. He urged religious leaders to preach messages of peace and unity, and to refrain from making statements that could incite violence. The IPCR is an independent research institute established by the federal government to promote peace and conflict resolution in Nigeria. Its call to action comes at a time when religious tensions have been on the rise in various parts of the country, leading to clashes between adherents of different faiths. It is unclear if other organizations have taken similar positions, but the IPCR’s appeal is a reminder of the need for religious leaders to promote peace and harmony rather than divisive rhetoric.