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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 41163, member: 636"] A northern advocacy group criticized Catholic bishops for wanting emergency rule declared over Benue State violence. The Pathfinders Arewa Project warned that religious framing could worsen tensions across Nigeria's diverse communities. Group chairman Abdulhamid Abdullahi Jakadan said the bishops used misleading stories about the crisis. He acknowledged concerns about deaths and insecurity but rejected religious explanations for the problems. The group believes land disputes and environmental damage cause most conflicts rather than religious persecution. Jakadan pointed out that both Christians and Muslims face violence across states like Zamfara and Katsina. He questioned why emergency rule should apply to Benue when other violent states received no such treatment. The group called this selective advocacy unfair and potentially partisan against certain leaders. Religious leaders should avoid becoming political tools according to the advocacy organization. They want focus shifted toward better security systems and local peace-making efforts. The statement warned against claims about Islamic campaigns targeting Christians throughout Nigeria. Jakadan said such accusations damage national unity and mislead international observers about the real situation. Nigeria remains a secular nation with constitutional protection for all faiths according to the group. They urged bishops to promote unity rather than division through their public statements. Justice requires truth and responsibility rather than inflammatory religious rhetoric. [/QUOTE]

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