For the second time, Some volunteer Christian youths, women, religious, community and elders in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria joined the Muslim faithful to clear grasses for Eid El Kabir prayers.
This was part of efforts towards strengthening peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among the adherence of different faith in the area.
Those who spoke with newsmen said they came to clear the grasses in order to also keep the Mosque premises and the general environment clean.
Among them were, Jessica Akila and Mercy Bajumi members of the community Peace Observers (CPO) in Kachia local government area working under the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) in Kaduna State, attended the exercise which took place at the Eid praying ground.
According to them, they came to the Mosque with other Christians to join their Muslim brothers in clearing the grasses within the area to keep the praying ground clean. We came with our cutlass, rake, hoe with other utensils to clear
They said, even last year, they came and joined the Muslims colleagues to ensure that all the dirt around the Mosque premises were cleared.
Mr Daniel Bitrus who is a Christian youth leader, and his counterpart at Community Peace Observers (CPO) said they embarked on the exercise to promote religious tolerance, and better understanding among the adherents of the two faith.
“We came here to support our brothers towards cutting down grasses and also to clear the environment around the Mosque, with sole aim of promoting peace and unity,” he said.
“We were here last year in the year 2022 and by God’s grace, we are also here today, to support the Muslims towards clearing trash at the Mosque premises to strengthen Christians and Muslims relationship.”
“The exercise, which was initiated today availed Christians and Muslims to dialogue, exchange hand of friendship and talk on better ways to promote religious tolerance and better understanding among the adherents of the two religions in Kaduna State.
“By God’s grace we are going to continue doing this every year to promote religious tolerance and peace in our respective communities.”
The event witnessed some members of the Conflict Mitigation Management Regional Council (CMMRC) in State as part of the linkages between the two groups working on early warning and on early response to prevent conflicts in the State.
Reacting to the development, the Secretary, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Kachia local government area chapter, Mallam Ibrahim Tasiu, expressed delight over the large turnout of both Christian and Muslim youths , including the elderly members during the exercise.
” Its impressive to see that this is the second time, the Christian youths are arriving here on time before us, to ensure that they continue to explore ways to foster unity among the people in Kachia and it’s environs. They treamed the overgrown grasses as usual, and clearing the praying ground before us,
“I must confess to you that am truly impressed and may Allah bless them abundantly.”
He commended the gesture, saying that was the first of its kind, having held the initial exercise in 2022 in the history of Southern Kaduna, which has experienced ethno-religious crisis in the past in Kaduna State.
Mal. Ibrahim called on all Muslims and Christians to continue to live in peace and harmony, while appreciating the effort of Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Kaduna Peace Commission (KAPECOM), and Mercy Corps, and other humanitarian organizations for their contribution and selfless service to humanity in the interest of peace.
Coordinator, Community Peace Action Network with the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) Kaduna State, Mr Samson Auta used the period to wish all the Muslims in Kaduna, a happy and peaceful happy Eid El Kabir celebrations.
