ZAKARI ISAH - KADUNA
As the world celebrates Christmas, In a heartening demonstration of unity, hundreds of Muslims from across Northern Nigeria joined Christians in Kaduna Church for Christmas services, fostering love, and peace and reinforcing ties between the two communities.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support and participation, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, acknowledged the presence of over seven hundred Muslims from various Northern states during the Christmas service at the Church.
Despite cold weather, scarcity of naira, insecurity challenges, and high transportation costs, Muslims, including women and children, traveled from seven Northern states to attend the 12th annual Christmas morning service with Pastor Yohanna Buru.
"This tradition signifies a shared celebration of love, understanding, and religious tolerance" Buru stated.
Representatives of diverse Muslim sects, including Tijjaniya, Shi'ite, Kaddriyya, and Sunni, presented gifts to the church, symbolizing their commitments to peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
"We meticulously counted attendees, hailing from Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Abuja, and Plateau," Pastor Dr. Buru noted.
Buru said, "For the past 12 years we have been celebrating Christmas together in this church with our Muslim brothers who usually came from different states of northern Nigeria."
"We are also thanking all journalists that have been covering our annual Christmas ceremony in the country."
"Last year saw a notable shift, with more Muslims attending the church service than Christians, indicating a growing trend of inclusivity."
Pastor Buru highlighted the commonality between Christians and Muslims, recognizing shared teachings from the Bible and the Qur'an that guide both communities towards peaceful cohabitation.
"We must remember that we are created by One God, and we are the children of Adams and Eve, and we both have our holy scriptures (Bible & Qur’an) from One God which guided us on how to live in peace and harmony with each other”.
However, Pastor Buru expressed concern about escalating insecurity, daily bloodshed, banditry, kidnapping, and ethno-religious killings affecting the Northern region.
He emphasized the situation has adversely impacted education, agriculture, and the economy, urging collective efforts to address these challenges.
The Christian cleric pointed out that the church cannot forget the annual contribution made to Christians by a Muslim woman Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, who always doled out gifts to the church widows and orphans with the aims of strengthening peace, understanding, and religious tolerance in Kaduna and some part of the Northern states.
Representing various Muslim sects, Sheikh Ibrahim Musa from Hayin-Kogi, Igabi local government Kaduna expressed joy and felicitated with the Christians in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
He emphasized solidarity between Muslims and Christians, considering them fellow brothers and sisters in humanity.
Sheikh Musa thanked the church for its hospitality and appreciated Pastor Buru's efforts in promoting unity among different faith-based organizations.
Sheikh Musa clarified that attending the Christmas service does not make him a Christian but reflects a commitment to strengthening the relationship between Christians and Muslims for lasting peace and unity.
In conclusion, he said pastor Dr yohanna buru has been attending the annual maulud celebration to foster peace and unity in the country.
Also responding, the National President of Beyond the Borders of Disability in Nigeria comrade Rilwanu Abdullahi expressed happiness for being able to join the Christians to mark this year's Christmas.
He said, we are one family under God, and every Muslim believed in Jesus Christ.
On her part, Hajiya Wasilla Adams from a non-governmental organization Leadway Peace and Human Rights Foundation of Nigeria said, "Peace is all we want and that is why we are here to spread the message of peace and unity in the country."
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