Christian and Muslim religious leaders in Borno have called for sustained dialogue, mutual respect and religious tolerance to promote peaceful coexistence between adherents of the two faiths in the state.
The call was made at a one-day Interfaith Summit for Peaceful Coexistence and Religious Tolerance between Christians and Muslims held on Tuesday.
News men reports that the summit was organised by the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Borno/Yobe District Headquarters, Maiduguri.
Speaking at the summit, Apostle Joshua Michael urged Christians and Muslims to strengthen mutual understanding and continue to promote a peaceful environment where adherents of both faiths could live together as brothers and sisters.
Michael also called on the faithful to respect one another’s religious beliefs and practices.
He stressed that peaceful coexistence remained essential to the development and stability of society.
Rev. Titus Pona, Chairman, Christian Religious Leaders Assembly in Borno, said peacebuilding should be strengthened through shared ethical values, social action and theological exchanges.
Pona, who spoke from the Christian perspective, said righteousness, honesty, fairness and mutual encouragement as values capable of strengthening relationships between the two faith communities.
Also speaking, Rev. Manasseh Gizo, Vice Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno, urged Christians and Muslims to shun hate speech, warning that inflammatory statements could undermine peaceful coexistence and deepen mistrust.
From the Islamic perspective, Imam Ali Fezzan of the Federal Government College Maiduguri Central Mosque called for discipline, cooperation and mutual understanding among adherents of both religions.
Fezzan stressed the importance of humility and good conduct in promoting peace.
He noted that insecurity and other challenges did not discriminate between Muslims and Christians, adding that both communities must work together to protect peace and support one another.
News men reports that the summit agreed on continuous interfaith engagement, respect for religious values and collective action as pathways to lasting peace in Borno.