Angwan Rogo community brings together Muslims and Christians in Jos

 
Saturday 23th March 2013 — Following the decade-long religious and ethnic crisis's which have be-devilled Plateau State, certain areas of Jos have become no-go-areas for both Christians and Muslims. For instance Angwan Rogo which has a largely Muslim population has a notorious reputation for maiming and killing innocent Christians and University students who enter the neighbourhood, whilst Angwan Rukuba (a largely Christian enclave), has a sinister reputation for murdering Muslim commercial motorcycle (Okada) operators who enter the area to ply their trade.

Last week however, an NGO - the Youth Movement for Peace and Empowerment has began efforts at re-uniting the two warring communities and re-building the trust and love that once existed. The efforts started with a peace rally at Angwan Rogo on Saturday, during which Christian Youths were invited into the community and encouraged to consider returning for their businesses etc.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman Hadi Shehu, expressed regret at the unfortunate circumstances, which led to the segregation of the two communities and appealed to hawkers and market women who ply their trade between the two communities to return, since they serve as a bridge between the two communities.

Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman - Mr. Emmanuel Pam confirmed that the group was planning a second rally at Kabong village, where youths from Muslim dominated communities will visit their Christian counterparts in the spirit of brotherhood. He said: "Our chairman always comes to see me at Kabong, which is one of the supposed 'no go areas' for Muslims and he would stay in my house till 11pm before he leaves. Muslim youths must understand that they can come to Christian areas because we are tired of this crisis. It has slowed our economic and social development. We want people to stop this idea that Muslims cannot visit Christian areas and Christians cannot visit Muslim areas. We are here today and we want the world to know that Christians can come to Anguwan Rogo and nothing will happen to themThe event witnessed a high turn out, comprising both men and women of the Christian community. Of note were youths from major flash points such as Anguwan Rukuba, Tudun Wada and Gada biyu who were in attendance.

Commenting on the event, the commissioner of information Mr. Abraham Yiljap commended the leadership of the Youth Movement for peace and Empowerment for organising the pally and appealed to youth in other trouble spots to emulate the laudable initiative.

by Jerry Ladan

source: http://www.viewpointnigeria.com