The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the conversion of a mosque to a market in Mangu, Plateau State. The group said the action amounts to bidding farewell to peace in the zone.
This was stated in a press statement issued on Wednesday, 24th April, 2024 by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The full statement reads:
“The Bungha Dawo Jumu’ah Mosque in Mangu Local Government has been forcefully converted into a market place after it’s destruction by Mwaghavul Christian militia. Reports say the abominable action was taken by the Dawo District authorities.
“MURIC condemns this action in very strong terms. It is extreme, provocative and belligerent. It is tantamount to bidding farewell to peace.
“By converting an existing mosque to a market place, the district authorities have declared to Muslims in the zone in particular and the rest of Nigeria in general, that they do not want any cordial relationship with Muslims at all.
“The destruction and forceful conversion of this mosque brings to mind the five evils that Chamberlain spoke about: brute force, bad faith, injustice, oppression and persecution.
“MURIC calls the attention of the Nigerian government and the general public to this brutish act of aggression, particularly those who have been blaming Muslims of Plateau State for the endless violence going on in the state.
“We urge the state governor, political leaders and elders in the zone to intervene. Already, a Muslim group in the zone has demanded that the mosque should be rebuilt and handed back to the Muslims. We support this position. The desecration of a mosque anywhere in the world should not be trivialized.
“The destruction and conversion of the mosque to a market constitutes a blatant encroachment on the fundamental human rights of Muslims and a threat to freedom of worship in the area. It is also a dangerous precedent which must not be allowed to become a point of reference.”