“In this moment of sorrow, we stand united as one people, acknowledging the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among the various religious communities in Nigeria.” – CAN President
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has offered its condolences to the Muslim Ummah in Zaria, Kaduna State, and the entire nation following the fatalities and injuries resulting from the collapse of a portion of the Zaria Central Mosque on Friday.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President of CAN, expressed his dismay over the loss of worshippers and extended his prayers to their families during a statement in Abuja on Saturday.
“We also extend our thoughts and prayers to the 25 individuals who sustained injuries, and we pray for their quick and complete recovery. The Zaria Central Mosque holds significant historical and religious value, having stood as an important place of worship for over 150 years. We recognize the deep attachment and emotional connection that the Muslim community has with this sacred place, and we share in their grief and loss.
“In this moment of sorrow, we stand united as one people, acknowledging the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among the various religious communities in Nigeria. Tragedies such as this remind us of our shared humanity and the need for solidarity during times of crisis,” Okoh said.
Yet, he lauded the prompt reaction of the appropriate authorities and emergency responders in swiftly rescuing survivors and offering essential medical care.
He called upon the government and all pertinent stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident’s root cause, aiming to prevent any future recurrences and guarantee the safety of worshippers in all religious venues nationwide.
“We call on religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, to use this unfortunate event as an opportunity to deepen interfaith dialogue by showing understanding. In this way, we can build a society where all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliations, can practice their faith freely and peacefully.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may the injured recover quickly. Let us unite, support, and comfort each other during this difficult time,” Okoh said.
The occurrence took place at 4pm on Friday during the evening prayer of Muslim worshippers, resulting in the tragic loss of 10 lives as confirmed.
The full statement: “It is with shock that we received the news of the untimely demise of at least 10 worshippers, and we offer our sincere prayers and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.
“We also extend our thoughts and prayers to the 25 individuals who sustained injuries, and we pray for their quick and complete recovery.
“The Zaria Central Mosque holds significant historical and religious value, having stood as an important place of worship for over 150 years. We recognize the deep attachment and emotional connection that the Muslim community has with this sacred place, and we share in their grief and loss.
“In this moment of sorrow, we stand united as one people, acknowledging the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among the various religious communities in Nigeria. Tragedies such as this remind us of our shared humanity and the need for solidarity during times of crisis.
“We commend the swift response of the relevant authorities and emergency services in rescuing survivors and providing necessary medical attention. We urge the government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation into the causes of this incident, with the aim of preventing such accidents in the future and ensuring the safety of worshippers in all places of worship across the country.
“Furthermore, we call on religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, to use this unfortunate event as an opportunity to deepen interfaith dialogue by showing understanding. In this way, we can build a society where all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliations, can practice their faith freely and peacefully.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may the injured recover quickly. Let us unite, support, and comfort each other during this difficult time.
“May God grant us all strength and peace.”
