The Director General of the Niger State Bureau of Religious Affairs, Dr. Umar Farooq Abdullahi, has urged Christians and Muslims in the state to unite against those who threaten peace. This call was made on Thursday during a visit to the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, at the State Secretariat in Minna.
Dr. Abdullahi, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Alhaji Liman MashaAllah, emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "We are one; the enemies of peace just want to cause disaffection amongst us."
As the Secretary General of the Niger State Imam’s Forum, Dr. Abdullahi highlighted the teachings of Islam on tolerance and peaceful coexistence. "We are all created by the same Creator, and our religion teaches us to live in peace with everyone. There will always be good, bad, and ugly people among us," he said. "I call on us to join hands together to defeat this common enemy who wants to destabilize the peace we are enjoying in our dear state. These hoodlums are evildoers and should be put to shame."
He also called on security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others, particularly in Kontagora. "Islam discourages any form of chaos or disaffection amongst us. Islam does not accept anyone who does not believe in Jesus," he added.
In his response, the state CAN Chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, commended the Bureau for their support. Represented by his Deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, Dr. Yohanna stated that the Christian community has accepted the incident in good faith. "We believe hoodlums are always there to cause chaos, but the truth is, if there is chaos or crisis, we cannot move forward or live together," he said.
He further called for a cordial relationship, urging everyone to take advantage of the relative peace in Kontagora and the state to work together and put the enemies of peace to shame.