The Chief Imam of Nsukka Central Mosque, Alhaji Yakubu Omeh has stated that the Hausa community and other Muslims living in the university town of Nsukka are at peace with the natives and their Igbo neighbours and friends.
Alhaji Omeh made this disclosure following the reported false media reports that the Muslims were still having strained relationship as a fallout of the recent misunderstanding between a Muslim woman of Northern extraction and a commercial tricycle (Keke) operator in the town.
It will be recalled that there was an altercation between the two over the refusal of the former to pay an agreed transport fare which later escalated to fisticuffs that landed the tricycle operator in hospital, and a corresponding show of anger by some Keke operators.
But speaking on the matter on Tuesday, the Chief Imam was emphatic that the matter has been amicably resolved and thanked Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for taking proactive steps to nip the rift in the bud. “It was an unfortunate development, ” says Alhaji Omeh.
“What happened was a minor issue that was not well handled.
“The good news is that we have resolved the matter. On behalf of the entire Muslim community in Nsukka, I want to convey our gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his prompt reaction as soon as the matter happened.
“He’s truly a man of peace and a bridge builder. As soon as words got to him, he sent key government officials including the chairmen of six local government areas that make up Enugu North Senatorial District to come down to Nsukka in order to wade into the matter. We thank the governor for such proactive steps.”
Alhaji Omeh also revealed that the Muslim community has held fruitful meetings with the chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Barr. Cosmas Ugwueze and leaders of Keke operators in the town.
“I can confirm to you that Nsukka is calm today. There’s no tension anywhere.
“The Muslims and Hausa community are going about their normal businesses. We’ve always lived in peace with our Igbo and Christian brothers and sisters here.
“We’ve had meetings with the leaders of Keke operators in Nsukka as well as the chairman of the local government area. It was not difficult for us to resolve the misunderstanding because we’ve always related as brothers and sisters, irrespective of where we come from and/or our religious leanings.
“I’m also pleased to inform you that both the woman and the Keke operator have been discharged from the hospital. We also have assurances that the few structures that were damaged will be rebuilt.
“So, we have no issue at all, and that’s what I’ve told people who called from within and outside to ascertain the true position of things.”
