According to a report by Nigerian Tribune, on Sunday March 8, 2026, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has raised concerns about religious violence in Nigeria, alleging that some individuals within the country, working with foreign actors, are sponsoring actions that could lead to religious genocide.
Ayodele made the claim in a statement released through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, he said the attacks happening in parts of Nigeria are not directed at only one religion, according to him, both Christians and Muslims have been victims of violence in different areas.
The cleric spoke while reacting to discussions in the international community about religious killings in Nigeria, some foreign groups have claimed that Christians are mainly targeted, however, Ayodele said the problem is broader and affects followers of different religions.
He explained that religious sentiment is often used by some people to create division and conflict, according to him, such actions could become a major political challenge for the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu if they are not properly addressed.
Ayodele criticised the role of the country’s inter-religious council, he said the body has not been effective in resolving religious tensions and called on the federal government to consider replacing it with a stronger institution that can promote dialogue and understanding among religious groups.
The cleric urged state governors to encourage religious tolerance in their states, he said leaders must actively speak against any form of violence carried out in the name of religion.
Ayodele stressed that Nigeria can only achieve peace when citizens respect religious differences and work together for unity, he said promoting tolerance remains his main mission.
”Religious genocide are sponsored by international bodies and Nigerians, and these areas will be use to knock Tinubu’s second term,” he said.