08/06/2026
To my Christian neighbours and fellow Nigerians,
I want to speak to you, not with anger, but with sincerity.
Because something is not right.
Every time bandits or terrorists strike, many are quick to say, "This is Islam." Some say it because of their names. Others say it because they hear "Allahu Akbar" in moments of violence.
But I want you to pause… and reflect honestly.
Look around you.
Think about your daily life.
You have Muslim neighbours. The same people who greet you every morning. The same people who check on you when you are sick. The same people who celebrate with you and stand with you in times of difficulty.
You have Muslim coworkers, people you trust with responsibilities, people who support you, people who deal with you in honesty.
Some of you even have Muslim bosses who pay your salaries, treat you fairly, and respect you as human beings.
These are not strangers. These are people you know.
You have seen their character with your own eyes. You have experienced their kindness directly.
So I ask you, sincerely:
Why are these Muslims not the ones you use to understand Islam?
Why do you overlook the peaceful, decent Muslims in your life, and then turn to criminals in the forest to define an entire religion?
Why?
If Islam truly teaches violence and chaos, would the Muslims around you be the way they are?
Would they treat you with kindness?
Would they live peacefully among you?
Would they build relationships, trust, and community with you?
Or is it possible, just possible, that what you see in your neighbour is closer to Islam than what you see in a bandit?
Let us be honest with ourselves.
Islam forbids the killing of innocent people.
It forbids r**e and oppression.
It forbids intoxication and moral corruption.
It commands prayer, discipline, and accountability.
These are not hidden teachings. They are clear.
Yet those criminals do the exact opposite.
So what exactly are you judging? Islam, or the actions of people who clearly disobey it?
Yes, they shout "Allahu Akbar."
But words are easy.
Anyone can say "God is great." Even someone who is about to commit evil can say it. That does not make the evil righteous but it only exposes the hypocrisy.
Do not let a slogan replace your thinking.
Judge by actions. Judge by consistency. Judge by truth.
Because deep down, you already know the difference.
You see it every day in your neighbour, in your colleague, in that Muslim who has never harmed you but has only shown you goodness.
So be fair.
Do not allow pain or fear to push you into conclusions that are not just. Do not allow criminals to define millions of innocent people.
Nigeria is already fragile. Words matter. Judgments matter.
If we continue to misunderstand each other, we will only deepen the division.
But if we choose fairness, if we choose to judge rightly, then there is hope for peace.
And sometimes, justice begins with something as simple as this:
Looking at the people around you…
And being honest about what you already know.
Thank you for your understanding
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