Writing By Shindong Bala; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) have called for unity of purpose among Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic or regional differences, as a critical step toward defeating insecurity and terrorism in the country.
The call was made by the Chairman of the group, Mr. Isaac Abrak, while presenting an Award of Excellence in Interfaith and Sustainable Development to the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, at a ceremony held in Kaduna.
Mr. Abrak said the award was in recognition of Reverend Hayab’s courage and consistency in speaking out for peace, justice and interfaith harmony, particularly during difficult moments in Kaduna State and across Northern Nigeria.
He noted that Reverend Hayab’s interventions during periods of religious tension helped bridge divides between Christians and Muslims, leading to improved dialogue, cooperation and sustainable development in the region.
“Christians and Muslims in Kaduna State are now working hand in hand, and this collaboration has reflected positively not only on the state but on the wider North and Nigeria as a whole.”
He added that the award was also prompted by Reverend Hayab’s boldness in speaking truth to power and providing credible information that has strengthened interfaith engagement.
Mr. Abrak further used the occasion to renew NCYP’s advocacy for the establishment of a community-based Forest Guard, recalling that the group began pushing for the initiative in 2022 following its inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign manifesto.
He argued that recruiting and training youths from forest-border communities to protect their own areas would significantly reduce attacks by criminal elements.
Referencing recent attacks in Kurmin Wali, Abrak said such incidents could have been prevented or minimized if trained community members were actively guarding the forests.
He appealed to the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to fast-track the implementation of the Forest Guard initiative, stressing that insecurity is a collective challenge that requires broad-based participation.
He also called on professionals from various sectors—medicine, law, ICT, journalism, technical fields and others—across the 19 Northern States to join hands with the NCYP to articulate regional concerns and engage government constructively, urging greater civic participation and sustained advocacy for peace.
In his response, Reverend John Joseph Hayab expressed gratitude to the Northern Christian Youth Professionals for the honour but described the timing as sobering, coming amid renewed insecurity in parts of Kaduna State.
He used the platform to call for the immediate release of victims recently kidnapped in Kajuru Local Government Area, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved when communities are safe.
Reverend Hayab warned that it is not enough to record security successes without sustaining them, noting that criminal elements may be testing the resolve of government and citizens alike.
He urged authorities to consolidate gains made so far and translate them into tangible, long-term peace.
He also emphasized the need for wisdom and responsible action in addressing insecurity, encouraging citizens to adopt practical personal safety measures while maintaining trust and cooperation within communities.
Reverend Hayab assured that victims of kidnapping would receive moral, physical and trauma-healing support at appropriate stages, adding that such assistance should be carefully managed to avoid further harm.
The event ended with renewed calls for unity, sustained interfaith dialogue and collective responsibility as essential tools for overcoming insecurity and building lasting peace in Northern Nigeria and beyond.
Shindong Bala
