The Plateau State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and an Islamic group known as the Qur’anic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative, QBHI, have resolved to unite and forge an accord that will end years of crises and violence in the state.
The accord was reached on Saturday when the Chairman of QBHI, Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim Masussuka, paid a visit to leaders of CAN in Jos to discuss ways to end years of religious crises and promote harmony between Muslims and Christians in the state.
During the visit, Masussuka, a popular Islamic scholar in the state, noted with regret that most of the crises that have engulfed the state for over 20 years can be traced to religious intolerance stemming from ignorance and a lack of understanding.
He highlighted the devastating effects of religious crises in the state, which include loss of lives, destruction of property, including places of worship, and the disruption of economic activities of the state.
“Plateau State which was once celebrated as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism,’ has witnessed painful religious and ethnic crises over the years,” Sheikh Masussuka said during the visit.
“From Jos North to Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Wase, Bassa, and Shendam, among many, clashes fueled by intolerance, misinformation, political manipulation, and socio-economic deprivation have damaged inter-religious relations.
“Today, we are here not as Muslims or Christians, but as Nigerians bound by one destiny. Our peaceful coexistence is not an option but a divine arrangement and national necessity,” he stated.
Sheikh Masussuka noted that religious leaders from both Islam and Christianity are in the best position to rebuild inter-religious bridges in the state through dialogue, mediation, and preaching, while calling on the government to prioritise industrial restoration, create sustainable employment for youths, and invest in skill acquisition and vocational training as part of measures to tackle youth restiveness and violence.
“To achieve these, the government needs to strengthen the security architecture in the state, support community-based peacebuilding initiatives, and prioritise industrial restoration to reduce religious conflicts and youth radicalisation,” he added.
One of the leaders of CAN, who spoke on behalf of the Christian body, emphasised that both Islam and Christianity command tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human dignity, citing scriptural support for their position.
“We are grateful for this visit as it is timely and crucial towards promoting peace in the state especially as we head into the yuletide season,” the CAN leader said.