THESHIELD Garkuwa
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As part of efforts towards strengthening peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among the adherence of different faith communities in Kaduna and around the country.
For the second time, Some volunteer Christian youths, women, religious, community and elders in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State took part and join the Muslims in large number to clear grasses and get rid of trash at a Mosque which is going to be used for Eid El Kabir prayers.
Stressing that they came to clear away all the grasses in order to beautify the Mosque premises and the general environment.
Ms Jessica Akila and Mercy Bajumi are members of the community Peace Observers (CPO) in Kachia local government area working under the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) in Kaduna State, explained that they attended the exercise which took place at the Eid praying ground.
According to them they came to the Mosque with other Christians to joined our Muslim brothers in cuttings down all the grasses and trash around the Mosque sorroudings so as to beautify the praying ground. (we came with our cutlass, rake, and hoe with other utensils to clear away any dirt)
They said, even last year, they came and joined the Muslims colleagues to ensure that all the dirt surrounding the Mosque premises are cleared.
Responding also, Mr Daniel Bitrus who is a Christian youth leader, and the team leader of Community Peace Observers (CPO) in the area added that, they embarked on the exercise to promote religious tolerance, and better understanding among the adherents of the two faith.
“We came here to support our brothers towards cutting down grasses and also to clear the environment around the Mosque, with sole aim of promoting peace and unity,” he said.
“We were here last year in the year 2022 and by God grace we are also here today, to support the Muslims towards clearing away trash at the Mosque premises to strengthen Christians and Muslims relationship.”
“The exercise, which was initiated today availed Christians and Muslims to dialogue, exchange hand of friendship and talk on better ways to promote religious tolerance and better understanding among the adherents of the two religions in Kaduna State.
“By God grace we are going to continue doing this every year to promote religious tolerance and peace in our respective communities.”
Similarly, the event witness some members Conflict Mitigation Management Regional Council (CMMRC) in State as part of the linkages between the two (2) structures working on early warning and on early response to prevent conflicts in the State.
Responding, the Secretary, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Kachia local government area chapter, Mallam Ibrahim Tasiu, expressed delight over the large turnout of both Christians and Muslims youths , including the elderly members during the exercise.
He said, It’s impressive to see that this is the second time, the Christians youths are arriving here on time before us, due to their to ensure that they continue to explore ways to foster unity among the people in Kachia and it’s environs. They treamed the overgrown grasses as usual, and clearing the praying ground before us.
“I must confess to you that am truly impressed and may Allah bless them abundantly.”
He commended the gesture, citing that it is the first of its kind, having held the initial arrangement in 2022 in the history of Southern Kaduna, which has experienced ethno-religious crisis in the past in Kaduna State.
Mal. Ibrahim called on all Muslims and Christians to continue to live in peace and harmony, while appreciating the effort of Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Kaduna Peace Commission (KAPECOM), and commission, mercy corps, and other humanitarian organizations for their contribution and selfless service to humanity in the interest of peace.
In conclusion Mr Samson Auta, the Coordinator, Community Peace Action Network with the at Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) , Kaduna State use the period to wish all the Muslims in Kaduna, the country and around the globe a very happy and peaceful happy Eid El Kabir celebrations.
