The Nigerian KAICIID Fellows, representing Christian, Muslim, Vaishnava, and Traditionalist communities, joined voices in a national appeal for calm and collaborative action amid rising tensions.
The Nigerian Chapter of the KAICIID Fellows Alumni Network has issued a joint press release calling for calm, responsible leadership, and renewed national dialogue in response to escalating violence across several Nigerian states. Six Fellows co-authored the statement, including Salika Dasa, who represented ISKCON and ensured the Hare Krishna Movement’s voice was present in a national interfaith appeal for unity and non-violence.
The KAICIID Fellows network in Nigeria brings together Christian, Muslim, Vaishnava, African Traditionalist, and other religious peacebuilders trained in dialogue, conflict transformation, and intercultural engagement. With the recent rise in communal tension and public debate intensified by remarks from a world leader threatening military intervention, the Fellows decided to issue a unified response that advocates stability and rejects inflammatory narratives.
ISKCON’s Voice in a National Interfaith Statement
In his report to ISKCON News, Salika noted that the drafting process was collaborative and inclusive, creating space for ISKCON to contribute substantively to a national-level conversation on peace and security. ISKCON’s participation signals its growing recognition in Nigerian civil society as a legitimate and responsible faith-based actor committed to non-violence and social harmony.
According to Salika, ISKCON’s representation among the signatories underscores three important points. First, it confirms the movement’s place within Nigeria’s religiously diverse landscape. Second, it demonstrates ISKCON’s willingness to take part in shaping thoughtful, balanced public responses during moments of national crisis. Third, it strengthens ISKCON’s public profile as a movement aligned with peace, compassion, and constructive civic engagement, values deeply rooted in Srila Prabhupada’s teachings.
Key Themes of the Press Release
The joint statement stresses that Nigeria’s present crisis should not be framed as a religious conflict. Instead, it calls for calm, restraint, and a recommitment to justice and institutional accountability. The Fellows warn that divisive rhetoric, whether from local actors or international figures, risks deepening tensions and undermining efforts already underway to stabilize affected communities.
The release urges federal and state institutions to uphold their constitutional responsibility to protect all citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic identity. It highlights the humanitarian suffering of ordinary Nigerians, noting that families across multiple regions have endured loss, displacement, and insecurity. The Fellows point out that durable solutions must be rooted in dialogue, institutional reform, and collaborative action across sectors.
Faith leaders, the statement notes, have a particularly important role in this moment. They are encouraged to safeguard communal spaces, counter hate speech, and guide their followers toward empathy rather than suspicion. Civil society groups and the media are also reminded to steer public conversations toward accountability and constructive engagement rather than narratives that inflame religious or ethnic division.
ISKCON’s Ongoing Contribution
ISKCON’s involvement in this interfaith response builds on its ongoing participation in peace education, dialogue initiatives, and cooperation with multi-faith partners across Nigeria. As part of the KAICIID Fellows network, ISKCON supports localized approaches to conflict transformation that emphasize compassion, truthfulness, and protection of all life.
The public stance taken in this release reinforces the movement’s long-term commitment to national stability and interreligious harmony. By standing with fellow peace practitioners, ISKCON demonstrates that Vaishnava values can contribute meaningfully to conversations on justice, unity, and social responsibility.
A Collective Call for Peace
The KAICIID Fellows conclude their statement with a clear message: every Nigerian life is sacred, and peaceful coexistence requires dialogue, fairness, and shared responsibility. ISKCON’s presence in this collaborative effort signals its readiness to remain engaged at national and international levels where faith, governance, and community well-being intersect.
As Nigeria continues to navigate a period of intense social pressure, the contributions of diverse religious organizations, including ISKCON, serve as a reminder that unity and moral leadership remain essential to any sustainable path toward peace.
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