Hundreds of Muslims from across Northern Nigeria on Thursday joined Christians at the Christmas service of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, in a show of interfaith unity. The General Overseer, Pastor Yohanna Buru, said the participation of Muslims in the annual celebration has become a long-standing tradition drawing worshippers from the 19 northern states.
Buru said Muslims from Tijjaniyya, Shi’ite groups under the Islamic Movement and Sunni sects attended the service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and promote peace. “This is the 15th time Muslims and Christians are gathering for this historic annual event to strengthen our relationship and foster unity,” he said, adding that Muslim delegations also presented gifts to the church.
He noted that the celebration came amid economic hardship and insecurity, stressing the need for prayers and cooperation. “We are all children of Adam and Eve. We worship one God,” Buru said. Islamic scholars at the event urged religious tolerance, youth restraint and responsible use of social media to sustain peace and unity.