By Iliya Kure
Kaduna (Nigeria) — As part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence in northern Nigeria, a Christian Church has donated food items to its predominantly Muslim host community – the muslims are currently observing a thirty day obligatory fast of the islamic month of ramadan.
The distributed items include rice, beans, maize, noodles and millet, among others.
Senior Pastor of the Church, Reverend Yunusa Nmadu said, the act was in obedience to God’s instructions for christians to love their neighbours.
“We know that there are people in the community that require help in this month of Ramadan, which is why we have brought out families to be given the food items. Apart from that, we have also embarked on this to show the world that peace is possible and that we are all peace makers by demonstrating it in practical terms,” he said.
Kaduna is one of the most volatile cities in northern Nigeria, prone to religious crises at the slightest giving – several religious crises witnessed in the city had left thousands dead.
The church making the donation, Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Tudun Nupawa, Kaduna, had been destroyed several times in such crises – members had to renovate the facility after every crisis. But since the commencement of the food distribution and other community projects four years ago, the church has been enjoying protection from the predominantly muslim community.
“Even though this community used to be a crisis-prone community, there has been a tremendous improvement over the years due to concerted efforts, guidance, counseling and proper leadership provided by the leaders and village heads.” Reverend Nmadu said.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, traditional ruler of the community, Shaibu Balarabe commended the understanding of the ECWA Church by consistently assisting his people during the Ramadan fast, saying he would not relent in protecting all within his domain, as the only way to ensure peace.
