A Pastor in Adamawa State, Most Reverend Stephen Dami Mamza, has built a mosque for Muslims living as Internally Displace Persons in Sangere Margi area of Gire Local Government Area of the state.
The Pastor, who is the chairman of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and fellow of Catholic church said he built the mosque not for any other intention but to strengthen ties between Muslims and Christians.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, the pastor said, “Although the Muslims here are very few but we decided to build the mosque for them since they have lived here for over seven years.
“My church sponsored the whole project of the mosque. But also a church, clinic and school were built by one foundation from Germany and it’s for the over 80 houses community.”
On whether he did it to attract the Muslims to Christianity, the pastor said, “If I want them to convert to Christianity why should I build them a mosque? So this is for them as members of the community who are allowed to also practise their religion.”
He added that many of his Christian brothers misunderstood his intention to build the mosque but he later explained to them.
On his part, the Imam of the mosque, Mallam Musa Ali Burga, who is also member of the IPD, said it’s something that came to them as a surprise, adding that the gesture will add to their good relationship.
“This came to us like a dream but it’s a reality. We never expected it from the pastor but he did it. So this is a welcome idea and it will add to our peaceful relationship. We thank him for this.”