This is not the Kaduna I used to know

When we were young, I remember going to “Church” Deeper Life and ECWA, both in Tudun Wada, with our friends, ‘Dogara and Timothy,’ accompanying them frequently on Sunday for worship. It was during that time I learned this song: “I have a very big God oh is always by my side, I have a very big God oh by my side by my side”. I beg for a pardon in case I made a mistake! Some of our friends, Ghani aka Kazah and Gebriel, used to follow us to our Islamiyyah school and Mosque, attending our regular activities there, with their parents’ consent. I also remembered going to one Church in Asikolaye near Hope School, I forgot the Church’s name, escorting our friend, Ogar, together with Salisu who is now late, and Ibro mosquito helping him to clean the Church’s premises on Saturday, ahead of Sunday preparation. Ogar himself was assisting his ageing mother.
I remember during Sallah’s festivities, some of our Christian friends dressed in their new clothes, and followed us to “ Yawon Sallah”. We sent food to our neighbouring Christians, like Murna, Maman Gideon, Maman Shobe, Maman Laha Mai Rake, and Asabe Mai Alade. In turn, our neighbourhood Christians do the same on Christmas day, sending food and other gifts to us, in order to celebrate with them.
The house opposite ours were people from Southern Kaduna. Next are people from Southeast i.e. Igbo. The whole of our area was mixed up with people from different religions and ethnic groups. Our Mosque where we do our five daily prayers, Masallacin Audu Kano was facing “Deeper Life Church”! They usually started their Church service almost the same time when we are praying Maghrib, opening their loudspeakers with songs and praising God. But there was never a time when we complain for any disturbance from their side.
I also remember when the Muslim guys were intensely getting in love with Christian ladies, especially Southern Kaduna. And some of them even got married to many Hausa guys. Interestingly, there was no compulsion or coercion on both side concerning the marriage.
These were the most reminiscent good days which will never be erased from my memory. It stands as a folk memory, that’s whenever one of our Christian friends is intimidated or persecuted by any evil doer, we used our collective power to protect him by all means, the way we would do it to our blood brothers. At that time, life was fabulous and calm before the enemies of peace and conflict entrepreneurs divided us through their ill speech and incitement
Dolefully, the inhabitant’s of Kaduna city were forced to adopt a segregated living. But, in this wise, if we would continue to make a business transaction together in the market, without minding one’s religion or tribe and work in both private and public organizations together, going the same school and mingling shoulders together in the class, what does it cost if we kindly embrace an “Olive Branch”?
On a final note. May the soul of those who lost their lives in “Kasuwan Magani” crisis yesterday rest in eternal peace! Amin.

Jabir T Usman,
Kaduna South, Kaduna

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