The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has advised the Federal Government to urgently convene a national conference to address the issues of grazing, land use, and related matters that fuel violence and insecurity in parts of Nigeria.

The organisation noted that the government must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to resolve the recurring clashes between farmers and herders that have led to the loss of lives and destruction of communities in Benue, Plateau, Kebbi, and other states.

The forum, in a statement signed by its Co-Chairs, Rev. Abainitus Hamman and Dr. Yusuf Arrigasiyyu, on Friday, said the conference should address the underlying causes of the crisis, including land ownership, food security, and grazing protocols.

The organisation, comprising 120 Christian and Muslim religious and traditional leaders across the country, while condemning recent killings across the country, urged relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to prevent further loss of life, dignity, and livelihoods.

The statement said: “As a forum of committed religious leaders and peacebuilders, we are pained by the ongoing violence that continues to deprive Nigerians of peace, security, and dignity, particularly in the Middle Belt, North-East, North-West, South-East, and other affected regions.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected, as well as to the government, traditional institutions, and religious communities in Benue State. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the people during this difficult period of grief and uncertainty.

“We also recognise the hardships being endured across other parts of the country: The resurgence of Boko Haram in the North-East, armed banditry and killings in Kebbi and other North-Western states, communal unrest and violence in Plateau State and the Middle Belt, activities of unknown gunmen in the South-East, recent flood disasters in Mokwa and Maiduguri and the growing economic hardship affecting millions of Nigerians.

“We stand in solidarity with all affected communities and pray for divine healing and restoration across the nation. We affirm that every life lost diminishes our collective humanity. The continuation of these attacks, along with the conditions that enable them, is unacceptable.”

The forum urged the government to provide emergency relief and long-term rehabilitation for displaced persons, while strengthening security presence in vulnerable areas.

It also called on the government to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate recent attacks across the country, publish its report within 90 days, and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

“We call on the government to convene a National Conference to address land use and grazing protocols, food security, and the underlying causes of the farmer-herder conflict. Provide urgent support to flood-affected communities, including shelter, food, and medical aid, while implementing long-term flood prevention measures and rolling out immediate economic relief packages to support vulnerable families, especially in conflict and disaster-affected areas,” it stated. (The Guardian)