Former lawmaker says mosque is his contribution to peace and harmony between Christians and Muslims

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

A Christian resident of Plateau State, Peter Ibrahim Gyendyeng, has built a Juma’at Mosque for Muslims in Gana Ropp community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, in a gesture aimed at promoting peace and unity.

Gyendyeng, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Barkin Ladi/Bassa Constituency, said the mosque was built to strengthen relations between Christians and Muslims in the community and across Plateau State.

Speaking at the commissioning of the mosque, he said he wanted the project to serve a lasting purpose rather than provide temporary assistance to members of the Muslim community.

According to him, giving money to people would only provide short-term help, while a place of worship could continue to benefit the community.

He said the mosque would provide a place where Muslims could pray for peace and the development of the country, adding that giving people something they value was another way of supporting them.

The project comes at a time when relations between Christians and Muslims have faced challenges in parts of Plateau State, including Barkin Ladi, which has experienced episodes of violence.

The Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Ladan Gana Ropp, expressed appreciation for the gesture, saying it had given Muslims in the community a stronger sense of belonging.

“Honestly, we were happy when he built the Mosque. He is not holding any political position now but was still able to do a project of this kind. We have never experienced any project like this in the area until now. We really appreciate it and it has given us a sense of belonging,” he said.

The imam said that unlike financial assistance which could be quickly spent, the mosque would remain a lasting contribution to the community.

He added that Muslims gathered during the commissioning to pray for Gyendyeng, the Plateau State Government and Nigeria, describing people who promote such initiatives as capable of changing attitudes towards unity and peaceful coexistence.

The Chief Imam called on Christians and Muslims in Plateau State to promote peace, unity and tolerance, saying such values would benefit the wider society.

Pastors, Reverends and other members of the Christian community also attended the commissioning, highlighting the interfaith nature of the occasion.

Source: Daily Trust