Last weekend, Nigeria witnessed yet another religious uprising, as Muslim youth went on the rampage in Kaduna State, burning churches and destroying properties.

The attack on churches in the town of Makarfi was sparked when a deranged Christian allegedly tore a copy of the Holy Qur'an. In this case, nobody was killed, but the militant Muslim youths set ablaze a police car and a house owned by a Christian.

This latest religious riot is coming barely two weeks after Muslim fanatics in Jigawa State responded fiercely to a court ruling which they felt favoured the Living Faith Church. The fanatics torched churches and unleashed a reign of terror in the state.

Indeed, violent reactions to perceived provocation have become rampant in the North, an indication that religious intolerance is a big problem in that part of the country.

In the year 2000, thousands of Kaduna residents lost their lives, homes and belongings as a result of riots sparked at the time by the planned introduction of Sharia Legal System.

Again in Kaduna last year, an article published by THISDAY newspaper which was deemed an insult to Prophet Muhammed, resulted in another religious riot which as usual, led to loss of lives and properties. The old wounds are yet to heal as the Northern Nigeria city has been sharply divided between Christians and Muslims.

We are worried about the frequency of these riots which often claim lives. More worrisome is the failure of the Nigeria Police to bring any of the culprits to justice.

That many of the active players in these riots are still walking the streets free, is bad enough.

There are reports that some Middle East countries are sponsoring religious groups in the North to unleash terror on non-Muslims. Government must therefore, treat this as an affront on national security because the security of Nigerians must not be undermined by any foreign influence.

The police must apprehend those behind the latest religious crisis in Kaduna to serve as a deterrent to others like them.

We believe that religious leaders have not been too helpful in the quest to promote peace between Muslims and Christians in the country. They should see the frequency of religious crises in the country as a sad commentary on their role as peacemakers.

More than ever before, religious leaders must re-dedicate themselves to the unity of all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic and religious diversities. They must, therefore, preach religious tolerance to their congregations because no religion encourages shedding of blood.

Aside this, government must convene a national conference of religious leaders and traditional rulers to find a lasting solution to religious and ethnic riots in the land.

Nigerians must learn to live together in peace and harmony, tolerating our differences. This is the sacrifice a new Nigeria demands from all and sundry.

	Copyright © 2004 P.M. News. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).