Estimated reading time: 9 minute(s)
The Ogun state chapter of the League of Imams and Alfas has paid a condolence visit to the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state over the Owo church massacre .
The delegation of the league led by its Secretary-General, Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi visited the CAN Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya in his Abeokuta office on Wednesday .
Adewunmi, while speaking during the visit, explained that the Muslims in the state were pained over the Owo incident and decided to pay a condolence visit on behalf of the ummah to CAN in the state .
He said the incident should not be seen as religious, saying that Muslims are not Killers and do not have any reason to harm Christians .
While handing over a formal condolence letter addressed to CAN, the religious leader who is also the Imam of Ilaro, assured Christians not to be afraid of his followers .
Meanwhile, the leadership of CAN and the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun state have agreed to work together and ensure the adherents of the two religions continue living in harmony amidst insecurity in the country .
Adewunmi who was accompanied by Imam of Makun, Sagamu, Dr. Tajudeen Ashaye and other religious leaders across the state assured Christians in the state of peaceful co-existence.
He said “we decided to pay a condolence visit to you on behalf of all Muslims in the state over the Owo incidence.
“We are here to show our displeasure to the killings and to also assure you that Muslims are not Killers and will not attack Christians in the state .
“We have seen ourselves as a family and we will continue to relate as such. We have Christians and Muslims in our families . We have no reason to attack ourselves .
“On behalf of the entire Muslims in Ogun state, the league felt concerned, that is why we were asked to come down and show our condolence.
“We, the Muslims have come to register our condolence . And we are here to assure you that the Muslims in Ogun state are very peaceful, we are very friendly with Christians . We pray that such a thing will never happen again.”
Responding , the CAN chairman lauded the league for the gesture.
Akin-Akinsanya said the Christians do not mistake Muslims for the attackers of Owo church nor describing them as arch enemies.
He said he found it difficult to believe that such a dastardly act could happen in South West, going by the level of mutual relationship that exists between the two religions adherents .
He said “It is not very easy for us here to fight . Those who did it are neither Muslims nor Christians. They are satanic.
“They are our enemies . They are not Muslims . Such things that are happening in the north cannot happen here because we are a family . You hardly see any family without the two religions, but, it is unfortunate that such a thing happened. The attack came from our arch enemies .
“I am so happy. Let say that, this is the first time this kind of a thing will happen and I want to commend the leadership of the Islamic religion in Ogun state for this. I pray almighty God bless all of us .
“In my own family, I even have someone that is next to Chief Imam in Ijebu-land before he died, my elder brother, same father same mother and we were closed.
“These attackers are neither Muslims nor Christians. They can not find a place where people are asked to kill others in the Quran or Bible, it means they are satanic.”
