By Peace Udugba
The Sultan has warned against linking criminal acts and violence to religion, stating that such associations only deepen mistrust and worsen divisions within society, making national unity and peaceful coexistence more difficult to achieve.
Speaking on the issue of religious extremism, the Sultan reaffirmed that both Christianity and Islam are founded on principles of peace, compassion, and respect for human life. According to him, neither faith supports the killing of innocent people, adding that any interpretation suggesting otherwise is a distortion of genuine religious teachings.
He cautioned against extremist ideologies that manipulate religion to justify violence, including suicide bombings and killings carried out in the name of faith. Describing such beliefs as dangerous and misleading, he stressed that they are completely contrary to the true message of religion.
The Sultan strongly condemned individuals who commit violent acts while invoking religious slogans, saying such actions reveal a misunderstanding of faith and contribute to insecurity, loss of lives, and instability in society.
He further stated that anyone who believes they are serving God by killing innocent people is gravely mistaken and has strayed from authentic religious principles.
“You build yourself up, go somewhere, blow yourself up and say ‘Allahu Akbar!’ Yes, God is great, but you are going to hell. Don’t think you are going to heaven. You are going to hell for taking the lives of innocent people,” he said.
His remarks have been widely viewed as a strong condemnation of extremism and a call on religious leaders and citizens to reject violence, promote tolerance, and work together to sustain peace and unity across Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
