Nigerians from all of the federal republic's constituent nations and communities have suffered not only in the current upsurge of political violence, but also in the general upward spike in political violence we have suffered since 1999. As usual, though, the screaming headlines make it seem like a sectional conflict between our peoples. So, I'll continue to highlight the quieter headlines that get swept under the carpet.
Muslims Demonstrate Religious Harmony, Join Christians in Church Service
Ibrahim Shuaibu, John Shiklam, Christopher Isiguzo and Victor Efeizomo
16 January 2012
As a deliberate step to rebuild confidence and heal the festering relationship between adherents of the two major religions in the country following attacks by Boko Haram on places of worship, Muslims in Kano Sunday visited churches and worshipped with Christians to foster religious tolerance.
Leader of the Muslims, who visited the churches under the platform of Kano Covenant Group, Mr. Bashir Ishaq Bashir, said the step was taken because there was the need for Christians and Muslims to live together in peace as they described the two religions as faith with doctrines that abhor violence.
Addressing the congregation in the various churches during service, Bashir said though there might be differences in practice, Islam and Christianity have a semblance which ultimate aim is to draw people nearer together as they love and cherish one another.
"We are here to deliver a message of hope, a message of peace, a message of solidarity," he said.
He said Muslims all over Kano would remain at peace with the Christians and urged the worshippers not to panic and resist inflammatory messages that were capable of bringing a breakdown of law and order.
He said: "We must desist from rumours and spreading of falsehood. No doubt Muslims have wronged their Christian brothers, and Christian brothers have wronged their Muslim brothers."
He insisted that in the face of the shortcomings, there was still the need for a peaceful coexistence.
Speaking also, Chairman of the state branch of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Ransom Bello, emphasised the need for all stakeholders to join hands and ensure that peace reigns in Kano as violence, which could lead to destruction of lives and property under any guise, should be totally discouraged.
Bishop Bello thanked Kano State Government for its support and encouragement to the struggle to ensure that Kano remains peaceful and safe, while urging all and sundry to move about their businesses without fear or apprehension.
Among the churches visited by the group were Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, ECWA Hausa Service, Anglican Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church and Calvary of Life Assembly.
Hisbah Command Guards Christian Worshippers
Hisham Habib
16 January 2012
Kano — Officials of the Kano State Hisbah Command were yesterday spotted guarding entrances to various churches in the state to give confidence to worshippers in the state.
The Hisbah officers who were in groups, were posted to various areas in Sabon Gari and along Airport road were many Christians were attending Sunday services.
A worshipper at the Royal Parish of Saint Thomas, Airport road, Barrister Ibrahim Isa Wangida who spoke to Daily Trust said he saw Hisbah men from Club Road down to the church at Airport road and was impressed to learn that they were there to give protection to the worshippers.
He said they have been made to believe that the Muslims will give them the desired protection as they will be giving to the Muslims elsewhere, adding that as a Hausa man and an indigene of Tudun Wada in Kano he is destined to be a Christian and it gives him joy to see Hisbah men around his church.
The Director General of the Hisbah Dr. Ahmad Sufi said the command had sent over 2,000 men to various locations especially to roads leading to churches and entrances and this was in an effort to keep the cordial relationship that exists between the two faiths in the state.
He said the command had been in contact with the CAN in the past and will maintain the link for a better understanding and promotion of peace through dialogue.
Nigeria: Muslim Youths Guard Churches in Minna
Aliyu M. Hamagam
9 January 2012
Minna — MUSLIM youths yesterday grouped themselves to guard churches in Minna, Niger State Capital, during Sunday Services.The youths said this was aimed at furthering their campaign for the promotion of inter-religious unity in the country.
Our correspondent observed that the youths mounted the gates of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kpagungu area of the state capital throughout the service period.
The leader of the group, Gimba Kakanda, who spoke to Daily Trust, said, "We are protecting our fellow Christian brothers and sisters to show the world that our leaders cannot use religion to divide us. We want to send a signal by coming here to protect our fellow Christians that we are one and we can stand to protect one another".
Asked on whether they got police permit to do so, he said, "We are peaceful, we are here only to protect our brothers, and we believe that security is the responsibility of every citizen".
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