Thousands of followers of the late Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and religious leaders from across Nigeria and some African countries on Saturday attended the maiden edition of a religious peace summit held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
The summit, initiated by the late cleric, who was shot dead at his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State last Monday, was organised by the Quranic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative.
In his welcome address, the Secretary of the initiative, Dr Mustapha Haruna, said the programme was organised to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different religious groups in the country in particular and Africa as a whole.
He said although the death of Masussuka who initiated the move, was a major setback, the initiative considered it important to fulfil the late cleric’s dream by going ahead with the programme, saying it is important for the late Masussuka’s wish to be honoured.
Also speaking, the Katsina State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Richard Sha’aibu Liti, described the summit as a historic initiative that could help address religious intolerance and strengthen peaceful coexistence for a better Nigeria.
He said the initiative would continue to enjoy the support of people from different religious backgrounds across the nation, stressing that the summit would not be a wasted effort, but a legacy to be upheld.
Similarly, Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid of Abuja, popularly known as the ‘Digital Imam’, said the late Masussuka’s efforts to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence would remain part of his enduring legacy.
He said the killing of the cleric would not stop the movement, urging his followers to remain calm, sustain prayers for the unity of Nigeria and continue to promote the ideals for which he stood.
The Islamic scholar also called on the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for his death were identified and brought to justice.
The event was attended by several prominent religious leaders and personalities, including former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Selcap Dalung, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, among others.
