An NGO, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), has appealed to Christian and Muslim leaders in Kajuru Local Government area of Kaduna State to play critical roles towards the restoration of peace in the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the area has been witnessing incessant attacks leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties between communities in recent times.
The GPFN Country Director, Rev. John Hayab, made the appeal when the organization assembled 60 Pastors and Imams from the area for an outreach sensitization activity at Maraban Kajuru on Thursday in Kaduna.
He said that the religious leaders must work for peaceful coexistence among their followers to end the cycle of violence.
Hayab said the sensitisation programme brought together Christian and Muslim preachers mostly affected by the incessant attacks, to find ways of ending mistrust and suspicions among the various communities.
He reminded the religious leaders of the importance of preaching messages of love to the congregation for better relationship between Christians and Muslims, as well as other Nigerians of different faiths.
“Our religious books have many teachings about love, forgiveness and respect for every human being.
“We are therefore pleading with you to make good use of your places of worship to tell men and women, young and old to be peace promoters so that Kajuru local government, Kaduna state and the country as a whole will enjoy peace, unity and development,” he added.
The Northern Coordinator of GPFN, Sheikh Halliru Maraya, while making his contribution, reminded the preachers that God has given them a great and sacred task of preaching love and forgiveness.
“Your roles as peace builders of any society is needed as the country is faced with so many challenges that require all hands to be deck for the survival of Nigeria,” he noted.
Also the Chairman of CAN, Kajuru local government area, Rev. Makama Mazadu and the Chairman of JNI, Imam Shafiu, promised to use Mosques and Churches to continue to preach messages of peace, till Kajuru becomes completely safe and peaceful.
NAN report that the NGO also shared food items and educational materials on peaceful coexistence to clerics from the communities affected by the recent crises.
Source:
NAN
