In a remarkable display of unity and peaceful coexistence, residents of Tudun Biri village, situated in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna, defied the shadows of a recent tragedy caused by error military drone attacks during a Maulud celebration.
Both Muslims and Christians joined hands to partake in the Christmas service at Nagarta Baptist Church, the only church in the village.
The gathering was aimed at supporting the Christian brethren in conducting their church service without fear, following the devastating incident on December 3, 2023, when military drones mistaken bombing claimed the lives of more than 100 villagers during the Muslim Maulud celebration.
The tragedy left a lingering concern among the Christian community about their safety in crowded settings, especially during the festive season.
Comfort Yohana, a resident, shared her sorrow, stating, “This year’s Christmas is different because we are mourning our children who died during the unfortunate incident. Most neighbouring villages have relocated, but we remain steadfast.”
The elder woman in the village recalled a time when both Muslim and Christian men and youth engaged bandits in a fight.
The recent mistaken airstrike claimed the lives of many villagers, she lamented and called on the government to fulfil the promises it made to the bereaved villagers after the incident.
Isiaku Daudu, another resident, echoed the lamentation but expressed happiness at witnessing this year’s Christmas. He said the airstrike incident led to the suspension of traditional Christmas plays.
He said there is a need for increased vigilance due to the presence of bandits in surrounding areas.
“We and the Muslims are our brothers’ keepers, we always look out for ourselves. Whatever affected them affected us too. We used to organise plays in the past during Christmas but we suspended it this year due to the airstrike incident,” he said.
Sharif Umar, a Muslim in the community, conveyed condolences in the church, emphasizing the shared responsibility of ensuring the security of both farmers and Christians.
“What happened on that fateful day had happened and we accepted what happened as destined. As for the Christians in our midst, we have a cordial relationship with them,” he said.
He called for improved security measures in the area, adding that as farmers, they would want to visit their farms at will, without fear.
The Christians from Tudun Biri, Ugara, and neighbouring villages who gathered at the church were reassured by the state government through the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security, and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, of their safety.
The commissioner congratulated the residents on the occasion and donated foodstuff on behalf of the state government. He also apologised for the unfortunate incident.
Addressing the congregation, Aruwan lamented that many women were turned orphans and others turned widows, describing the situation as disturbing but urged the people never to give up in life.
“We are here to join in celebrating Christmas with the Tudun Biri community and to also extend solidarity with them, to strengthen their faith as people of God given the unfortunate incident that happened on 3rd December.
“We feel it’s important to rekindle hope. It’s about spiritual rejuvenation, let them know they are not alone, let them know that the people of Kaduna State, the government and federal government and the Armed Forces are with them.
“What happened was unfortunate and we are also impressed with the turnout. It was believed that the Christmas service will not take place here going by the insinuations but we have seen women, children and young men all turn out.
“The Muslim community in Tudun Biri and its surroundings were all here which is a clear justification that we are one people created by God,” he said
He reassured the villagers of ongoing government efforts, highlighting road construction initiatives and plans for sustainable security.
He said routine patrols by the armed forces in the area have been sustained since the incident.
The leader of the church, Reverend Musa Saidu, said there had been some doubts about celebrating Christmas in the village.
However, he said following reassurance from the commissioner, both Christians and Muslims gathered at the church, underscoring the village’s spirit of tolerance.
“We were concerned about celebrating Christmas in the church due to what happened but we were encouraged to go ahead and celebrate and that we did.
“Our Muslim brothers also joined us to encourage us because we have been doing everything together irrespective our of religious beliefs in this village,” he said.
He further explained that the church once assisted the Muslims with their church loudspeaker during Friday prayers which shows how tolerant the people are in the village.
Reverend Saidu appealed to the government to provide opportunities for youths who have completed their secondary education, emphasising the need for communal support and understanding in the face of past adversities.
Also, the Imam of the village, Mas’ud Abdulrashid, also congratulated Christians on the important day.
He also assured the state government of their readiness to collaborate for the unity of the village, state and the country.
He urged the government to also ensure that the village gets the social amenities promised to them after the unfortunate incident.
It was observed that the only road to the village too was under construction which the villagers expressed happiness for.
Daily Trust recalled that Vice President Kashim Shettima, during his visit to the state, after the bombing, promised that the federal government’s Fulako Initiative which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commence this month will be flagged off in the village.
He assured the villagers that they would be compensated for their loss as well as have their village developed with amenities.
