The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the “alarming” and “disheartening” spate of killings, kidnappings, and banditry recorded in the country over the past week.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NIREC, led by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Daniel Okoh, and the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.

“The rate at which banditry, abductions, and killings are increasing across the country is beyond alarming, and there is an urgent need to put an end to these heinous acts,” the statement, signed by NIREC Secretary, Cornelius Omonokhua, read.

The statement highlighted recent incidents, including the killing of thirteen farmers in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the abduction of one hundred and fifty people in Gobir District, Sokoto State, the gruesome murder of the District Head of Gatawa, also in Sokoto State, and a foiled bandit attack in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, among others.

“This spate of attacks within a single week is deeply disheartening and a cause for great concern,” NIREC stated.

The council urged the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to eradicate these threats, allowing citizens to go about their daily lives without fear or anxiety.

NIREC also extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in these tragic events and expressed hope that those still in captivity would soon be reunited with their loved ones.