Cleric urges global collaboration, peaceful coexistence to tackle insecurity

Daniel Mbaya, president of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), has called on the federal government to strengthen collaboration with international partners in addressing terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.

Mbaya made the call at the 79th General Church Council Conference, known as Majalisa 2026, held in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria

He emphasised that peaceful coexistence remains a vital tool for nation-building.

The three-day conference, held from March 25 to March 27, was themed ‘Peace Church in a Prevailing Storm’ and aims to promote fellowship, offer prayers for the nation and humanity, and reinforce the sanctity of human life.

Highlighting the impact of insecurity on the church, Mbaya disclosed that EYN currently has over 20,000 widows and more than 130,000 orphans as a result of activities by Boko Haram insurgents.

He described 2025 as one of the most challenging years for the church. He further noted that 87 girls abducted from Chibok in 2014 remain missing, while about 70 local church councils were still displaced as of the end of 2025.

The EYN President urged Nigerians to embrace a culture of peace, stressing that the growing global insecurity demands collective responsibility and cooperation among nations.

Also speaking, Don Fitzkee, a representative of the Church of the Brethren in the United States, commended EYN for maintaining its commitment to peace despite ongoing challenges.

He noted that the U.S. Church has continued to provide support, with its largest disaster relief efforts in the past decade directed towards EYN.

In his remarks, James Musa, the EYN general secretary, said the conference serves as a platform to deliberate on issues affecting the church, the nation, and the global community.

Musa reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to preaching peace and promoting love among neighbours while calling on the government to prioritise the protection of lives and property.

A participant, Martha Mbaya, expressed the optimism over the church’s growth despite security challenges.

She also said that the conference had strengthened her commitment to peace building and pledged to promote harmony in her community.

The conference attracted ministers and members from within and outside Nigeria.