The Niger State Forum of Imams has condemned the recent burning of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s (RCCG) Kontagora headquarters, urging the swift arrest of those responsible.
The incident occurred on Sunday when suspected hoodlums reportedly stormed the church, which was still under construction, and set it ablaze.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago expressed his disapproval of the attack on Monday.
The Director General of the Niger State Bureau of Religious Affairs, Umar Abdullahi, who also serves as the Secretary General of the Niger State Imams Forum, conveyed the forum’s stance on Thursday.
He led a team of Imams to visit the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Bulus Yohana, at the CAN Secretariat in Minna.
Abdullahi, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Liman MashaAllah, emphasized the need for unity and peace, stating, “We are one. The enemies of peace just want to cause disaffection among us. We are from the same creator. As Muslims, our religion teaches us to be tolerant and live in peace with everyone. There will always be good, bad, and ugly people among us.”
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He called on the community to join forces in combating those who seek to disrupt the peace in the state and labeled the perpetrators as “evildoers” who should be brought to justice.
Abdullahi also urged security agencies to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the arson, highlighting that Islam discourages any form of chaos or disaffection.
He noted, “Islam does not accept anyone who does not believe in Jesus.”
In his remarks, the state CAN Chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, expressed appreciation for the Imams’ gesture of solidarity.
Represented by his Deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, Yohana said, “We take it in good faith because we believe hoodlums are always there to cause chaos. The truth is, if there is chaos or crisis, we cannot move forward or live together.”
He further emphasized the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship among religious groups and urged everyone to work together to uphold the relative peace in Kontagora and Niger State, ensuring that the “enemies of peace” are defeated.
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