Ondo killing: CAN, Islamic leaders sign peace pact in Ogun

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State have signed a pact to continue living in harmony amidst insecurity in the country.

The leaders of the two religions struck the deal on Wednesday when a delegation of the League of Imams and Alfas submitted a condolence letter over the attack of Christians in Owo, Ondo State to the CAN Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya.

Some unknown given had invaded a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State and killed 40 worshippers.

Leading the Islamic leaders to the Abeokuta’s office of the CAN Chairman, the Secretary-General of the League of Imams and Alfas, Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, described the Owo attack as unfortunate.

Adewunmi who was accompanied by Imam of Makun, Sagamu, Dr. Tajudeen Ashaye, and other religious leaders across the state, presented a letter of condolence addressed to the Christian body in the state, saying Muslims in the state were pained over the incident .

He, however, assured Christians in state of peaceful co-existence, saying there was no reason any Muslim will invade a church or attack any Christian in the name of religion .

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, who he described 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 religion adherents.