28th February, 2018
The Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation has urged Christians and Muslims in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna State to shun further violence and embrace peace.
The foundation, consisting of Muslim and Christian clerics, made the appeal when they visited the town on Wednesday.
President of the foundation, Pastor Yohanna Buru described the crisis as unfortunate and without any basis, and said the residents must learn to accommodate one another.
He noted that the crisis had left many people dead, hundreds homeless while others were in hospitals receiving treatment, in addition to the loss of properties and means of livelihood of many.
“We came here as a team of religious leaders to meet with every stakeholder in the area, so as to interact and dialogue on ways to move the region ahead through forgiveness, tolerance.
“We are begging everyone in the community to forgive each other and find means for dialogue over whatever situation so as to move the area forward.
“We are begging both the Muslims and Christians in the area to forgive each other, because our Holy Books taught us to forgive one another, and for us to live in peace and harmony, we must forgive each other.
“No society can move without peace, and no matter the situation dialogue and better understanding are concrete solutions to any disagreement.”
Buru stressed that every patriotic citizen must learn to accommodate others cultures and build harmonious coexistence for the nation to progress.
The foundation president urged traditional leaders, the youth and all well meaning people in the area not to succumb to hate, but help to build bridges of understanding and respect for the community to grow and prosper.
He lamented that the state had experienced years of religious crisis that claimed hundreds of lives and millions of property, and turned thousands of families into refugees.
“We don’t want any repetition of it, we want peace everywhere, that is why we are here and that is why we are carrying peace campaign mission to any crisis region.”
Buru called on government, philanthropists and organizations to render help to those affected, and engage idle youths to acquire skills to sustain themselves.
Head of the community, Malam Ibrahim Abdullahi thanked the team for the visit and expressed appreciation to security agencies for their quick intervention.
Seven people were killed and 10 others injured in the crisis which erupted on Monday, while 18 suspects have been arrested by the police.