Niger religious leaders condemn attack on RCCG church

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The Director General of the Niger State Bureau for Religious Affairs, Dr Umar Farooq Umar Abdullahi, has called on both the Christian and Muslim communities in the state to unite against those who threaten peace.

This appeal was made shortly after the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Kontagora Local Government Area was set ablaze by unknown individuals suspected to be arsonists.

On Thursday, Dr. Abdullahi, leading a delegation of Muslim leaders, visited the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, at the CAN State Secretariat in Minna.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Religious Affairs, Alhaji Liman MashaAllah, Dr Abdullahi emphasised the need for unity, stating, “We are one; the enemies of peace just want to cause disaffection amongst us.”

Dr Abdullahi, who also serves as the Secretary General of the Niger State Imams’ Forum, reiterated that all people, regardless of their faith, come from the same Creator.

He added, “As Muslims, our religion teaches us to be tolerant and live in peace with one another. There is no way you will live with good people at all times; there is always the good, the bad, and the ugly ones amongst us.”

He urged everyone to join forces to defeat the common enemy, aiming to destabilise the peace in Niger State. “Those who perpetrated the act are evildoers and should be put to shame,” he declared.

Additionally, Dr Abdullahi called on the relevant security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the culprits, stressing that this would deter others from inciting trouble, especially in Kontagora. He also noted that “Islam discourages any form of chaos or disaffection amongst us. Islam does not accept anyone who does not believe in Jesus.”

In his response, the CAN Chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, expressed gratitude for the Bureau’s solidarity. Represented by his deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, Dr. Yohanna said, “We take it in good faith because we believe that the evildoers are always there to cause chaos. The truth is, if there is chaos or crisis, we cannot move forward or live together.”

He further emphasised the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship between the followers of both religions in the state, urging, “We should take advantage of the relative peace in Kontagora Emirate and in the state and work together to put the enemies of peace to shame.”

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