Wusasa: Where mixed families celebrate Xmas, Sallah together

In Wusasa, Zaria, it is difficult to differentiate Christians and Muslims during festivities of Christmas or Sallah. Many families in the town comprise adherents of both faiths who often celebrate the religious feasts together.

Wusasa town has a long history of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, which many residents attribute to the biological bond between most residents.

Daily Trust correspondent observed that as early as 7am of Tuesday, 25th December, which was the Christmas day, Muslim and Christian members of different families, attired in their best, trooped onto the streets of Wusasa. While the Christians moved into various churches for Christmas service, the Muslims stayed behind to prepare various relaxation places for the celebrations.

Immediately after the service, both Muslims and Christians from different Wusasa families gathered at their households, or other areas designed for the celebrations, to dine together.

According to Yunus B. Mohammed, there is nothing amazing about the happenings in Wusasa during this year’s Christmas, saying that Wusasa community has been known for their unity for many years.

“What you have seen is normal for us. I am a Muslim, but I have many friends we grew up with who are Christians. Therefore, during Christmas or Sallah we celebrate together and visitors like you cannot figure out those that are Muslims or Christians,” Mohammed said.

“In fact, the coming of Boko Haram has affected our unity here; otherwise we were more united than what you have seen. Many family members are tied by the bond of biological relationship. So, if you say you are going to fight with a fellow resident because of his faith, you end up fighting your biological brother, sister or even parents. We have this advantage here. This is why we are living in peace with one another.”

Findings by Daily Trust show that the throne of Sarkin Wusasa (traditional head) is under the control of the Isiya Yusuf family who are of Fulani stock. In the family, there are Christians and Muslims.

Similarly, there are prominent mixed families whose members have excelled in different national and international endeavours. Such families include the David Sadaukis, James Audus, Isiya Yusufs, Pastor Musas, Adamu Baikies among many others.