From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Following the recent incident of hunters allegedly killed by a mob in Edo State, the Chief Imam of Imo Central Mosque and the traditional ruler of Umuofor Kingdom in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze AbdulFatah Emetumah, has cautioned his Muslim brothers and Northerners against reprisal attacks on Southerners living in their areas.
Emetumah, speaking during a Sallah celebration hosted by the senator representing Imo West at the National Assembly, Osita Izunaso, for the Muslim community in the state at his Owerri residence, noted that such actions could spark an ethnic crisis if not properly handled.
Speaking on the rumoured reprisal attacks on Christians in the North, he reminded his audience that the Islamic and Christian religions are one, adding that shedding blood is a sin before God.
He said, “Don’t allow warmongers to destabilise our country. What we are praying for is peace in Nigeria. Reprisal attacks in this situation are not the best. We are one—Christians and Muslims. We’re descendants of Abraham. Have you reflected on why the Sallah is almost coinciding with Easter? It’s because we’re one before God.”
After a sumptuous meal, the Muslim community in Imo prayed for peace and unity in the country and for their host, Izunaso, asking for God’s guidance and blessings to continue his kind gestures.
Earlier, Izunaso, represented by his Senior Legislative Assistant on Constituency Matters, Jude Oduoma, recalled that Christians in the state had enjoyed similar fellowship with the lawmaker during their festive periods.
“This is not the first time he would be hosting the Muslim community in the state; he has also been hosting the Christians. He is a detribalised Nigerian. His intention is to allow for peaceful coexistence with different tribes and religions in the country,” Oduoma said.