Interreligious Dialogue Panacea For Peace – Taraba Peace Bureau
By Echo Express
The Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management (TSBPCM), Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon has stressed the critical role of interfaith dialogue in building and sustaining peace in Wukari Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking through a representative, Rev Ezekiel Andokari Madaki at the Jama’atul Nasril Islam, JNI Annual Seminar held at the Federal University Wukari, the Bishop recalled the history and significance of Wukari, a town rich in history, culture, and religious diversity.
According to him, Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion have existed in the area for generations.
Rev Ezekiel Andokari Madaki, represented Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon at the event in Wukari
“Our diversity is a strength, but when not well managed, it can become a source of misunderstanding and conflict.
“Interreligious dialogue simply means people of different faiths talking honestly, respectfully, and continuously with one another”.
The Bishop discussed how interreligious dialogue can serve as a panacea for unity and peace in Wukari by looking at its challenges, what worsens them, the consequences of conflict, and the way forward.
He stressed that one major challenge of interfaith relations in Wukari is lack of trust among religious communities.
“Past conflicts, even when they started from non-religious issues, have left behind fear and suspicion.
“Another serious challenge is that religion is often confused with ethnicity and politics. In Wukari, it is sometimes difficult to separate ethnic disputes, land issues, or political competition from religion. Small disagreements quickly take on religious meanings, turning neighbours into opponents.
“There is also poor understanding of one another’s beliefs. Many people form opinions based on rumours rather than real knowledge. When dialogue is absent, misconceptions grow, and peaceful coexistence becomes difficult”.
The Chairman identified several factors encouraging interreligious disharmony.
“One of them is political manipulation of religion. During elections and leadership struggles, religious identity is sometimes used to divide people for personal gain.
Another major factor is youth unemployment and idleness. When young people lack jobs and purpose, they become easy tools for violence. Poverty and frustration make it easier for conflict to spread.
“In addition, hate speech, reckless preaching, and the spread of false information, especially through social media, fuel tension. Weak response to early signs of conflict and delays in justice also allow problems to grow instead of being resolved on time”.
He noted that the consequences of interreligious conflict are always painful.
“We have seen how conflicts lead to loss of lives, destruction of homes, churches, mosques, and farmlands, and the displacement of families.
“Conflict also destroys social trust. People begin to live apart instead of together. Markets suffer because traders are afraid to come, schools close, and children lose opportunities for a better future.
Instead of investing in development such as roads, hospitals, and schools, resources are redirected toward security and crisis management. In the end, everyone loses, regardless of religious affiliation”.
Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon said the way forward for Wukari lies in sincere and continuous interreligious dialogue.
“Dialogue helps people understand one another, settle grievances early, and rebuild trust.
According to him, religious leaders must take the lead by preaching peace, tolerance, and respect for human life, which are core teachings of all religions.
In addition, he said existing interfaith bodies and peace committees should be strengthened and supported while religious communities should also engage in joint projects.
“When Christians and Muslims work together to build a borehole, school, or health center, they develop shared responsibility and mutual respect.
“We must teach our children and youths that being a good Christian or a good Muslim also means being a good neighbour.
“Government and traditional institutions must ensure fairness, justice, and equal treatment for all, because peace cannot survive where people feel excluded or marginalized”.
“Wukari is a land of pride and heritage. Religion was meant to make us better people, not enemies. Interreligious dialogue remains one of the strongest tools for building lasting peace and unity in our community”.
He therefore advised the people to choose understanding over suspicion, cooperation over division, and peace over violence so that Wukari can remain a safe and united home for all.
