An Islamic scholar, Sheik Sodiq Afolayan, has called for dialogue to resolve the dispute between the Nigerian Army and some members of the Shiite Islamic group for peace to reign in Northern region.

Afolayan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Saturday, that the call became necessary in view of the sensitive nature of the crisis.

He said that Nigeria is currently passing through a critical period in its history as a result of the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

He cautioned that if not checked, the dispute between the Army and Shiite could escalate and further compound the tensed security challenges confronting the country.

Afolayan said that the crisis could also be a stumbling block to sustaining the gains of the nation's successful democratic transition, especially the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.

The cleric, who expressed regret at the number of casualties from the clash, urged the parties to exercise restraints, noting that dialogue remained the best option to settle differences.

He called on relevant religious bodies such as the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and National Inter-Religious Council of Nigeria to intervene for peace to reign.

"I do not think it will serve the country any good to allow unwarranted clashes that will further worsen the security challenges in the country.

"Our leaders, both political and religious, need to urgently evolve workable measures through dialogue in order to put an end to the indiscriminate killings, especially in the name of religion.

"I think we have had enough of bombings, killings and maiming by the Boko Haram insurgents; so this clash of interest between the army and the Shiite followers must not be allowed to degenerate further," he said.

Afolayan urged religious leaders to always conduct their preaching within the confine of the holy books and avoid hate speeches and other acts capable of heating up the polity.

He described Islam as a religion of peace as propagated by the Holy prophet Mohammed in his sayings, practice and deeds.

"If we must preach or practice our faith, such act must not be seen to have the tendency of negatively affecting the right of any individual, group or organisation," Afolayan said. (NAN)