In a bid to ease tension in Jos, the Plateau State capital, following recent violent attacks, Christian and Muslim leaders in Gangare and Shaka communities have met to strengthen peace and stability among their people.
Uniting to promote peace and reconciliation in the affected areas, the faith leaders and community members are actively promoting unity to break the cycle of violence and foster solidarity between the two religions
At a meeting convened between the two communities on Thursday, Muslims from Gangare visited Shaka community, a Christian dominated area, to appreciate the leaders for saving the life of a Muslim scavenger, when irate youths from the community attempted to kill him on Wednesday.
The Muslim community representatives commended the Shaka leaders and youth for their role in protecting the scavenger and handing him over safely to the Gangare community
According to one of the leaders from the Muslim community, Ibrahim Kabir, who spoke during the peace visit, “The purpose of the visits is to show our gratitude to the leadership of the Shaka community because of the rescue of a member of our community. The leaders in the community used their wisdom to save the boy and bring him back home.”
He further said: “That is why, as community leaders, we came here to show our appreciation to their leaders. I remember even in our Gangare community, some Christian women were saved there. Gangare leaders trooped to the junction, a flashpoint, to stop irate youths from attacking Christians. We call on other people to emulate”.
In his response, the traditional leader of the Shaka community, Da John Rwang Gyang, said, “Everyone was created from Adam and Eve. If we understand that, we are all one. So, they came to thank us for rescuing one of their members who was beaten by unknown people. With the community leaders and youths, we were able to rescue him.
“We appreciate their coming. This land belongs to God, and we don’t want anybody to spill someone’s blood on this land. We don’t want to see a crisis around us. No religion says you should kill someone who is not from your faith. It is a good thing to live together.”
Leaders from both communities agreed to continuously advocate for peace, while urging the youth to maintain order and always remain law-abiding at all times.
