The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has pleaded with protesting Nigerians to call off the nationwide #EndHunger protest and give the government a chance to redeem itself.

The council acknowledged the widespread challenges driving the protests but emphasised that civil unrest is not a viable solution and would only worsen the nation’s fragile state.

This was disclosed in a statement jointly signed by Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and Archbishop Daniel Okoh, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, on Friday.

The council expressed deep concerns over the outcome of the nationwide protests.

“Despite pleas from all quarters, the protest took a turn for the worse and became violent later in the day. In just a few hours, lives and property were lost due to this unfortunate scenario. 

“In just one day, lives and enormous amount of property have been destroyed.

“Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period of time. Only God knows the extent of damage that will be incurred,” it said.

The council also urged security agencies to be more professional.

NIREC urged the government to expedite action toward meeting the yearnings and needs of citizens.

“We need a peaceful and tranquil nation we can be proud to call our own. May God bless us all,” it stated.

(NAN)