Northern Islamic Leaders Warn of Looming Chaos Over Insecurity, Social Media

Prominent Islamic clerics and political leaders in Northern Nigeria have warned that the country faces the threat of widespread chaos unless urgent measures are taken to tackle rising insecurity and the misuse of social media.

The warning came during a special summit of Northern Ulamas held in Kaduna, attended by leading Islamic scholars and political figures.

Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, said unity among Muslim leaders was crucial to restoring peace and stability across the country.

“This is the time to unite the Muslim Ummah,” the Sultan declared. “Our clerics must preach peace, tolerance, and national unity in line with Islamic teachings. Social media must also be regulated because it is increasingly used to spread division and hatred.”

The Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, stressed the need for collaboration between religious and political leaders to strengthen peace and governance.

“Security is everyone’s business,” Doguwa said. “We in the National Assembly will support any initiative that unites our people and upholds Islamic values.”

Senator Abdul’aziz Yari (Zamfara West) said insecurity first emerged in Muslim-dominated areas before spreading nationwide, urging internal reform and community-driven solutions rather than blame.

“Insecurity started in Muslim-dominated areas,” Yari said. “We can’t blame the government alone. The solution lies in our hands — in unity, action, and honest dialogue.”

He also cautioned against growing economic complacency, saying Nigerians must embrace hard work and realistic expectations.

“We’re sleeping in our rooms and expecting to become billionaires. It doesn’t work that way,” he said. “We must face economic realities.”

On social media abuse, Yari warned that fake news and hate speech pose a major threat to national unity.

“Social media doesn’t spare anyone, rich or poor,” he said. “It’s time to regulate it and use it responsibly, like other nations do.”

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi attributed insecurity and banditry to external manipulation, alleging that foreign actors were exploiting local poverty to destabilize the region.

“Banditry is being fueled by outsiders,” Gumi said. “We must talk among ourselves and end it internally.”

The summit concluded with a resolution to deepen inter-sect cooperation, promote peaceful dialogue, and strengthen religious leadership in tackling insecurity, disunity, and economic hardship across Northern Nigeria.

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