Thousands of followers of the late Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and religious leaders from Nigeria and several African countries assembled on Saturday at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina for the inaugural religious peace summit. The gathering, staged by the Quranic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative, aimed to realise the late cleric’s dream of inter‑faith tolerance and national unity.
The summit came less than a week after Masussuka was shot dead at his home in Dutsin‑Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday. Organisers described his murder as a major setback, yet insisted that the programme must proceed to honour his wish for peaceful coexistence across faiths.
What was the purpose of the summit?
In his opening remarks, Dr Mustapha Haruna, secretary of the initiative, explained that the event was designed to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse faith communities and, more broadly, across Africa. He stressed that continuing the programme was essential to keep Masussuka’s legacy alive, despite his untimely death.
How did Christian leaders respond?
Reverend Richard Sha’aibu Liti, the Katsina State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called the summit a historic step toward curbing religious intolerance. He affirmed that people of all faiths would continue to back the effort, describing the gathering as a lasting legacy rather than a fleeting gesture.
What did the Digital Imam say?
Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid of Abuja, popularly known as the “Digital Imam”, echoed the sentiment that Masussuka’s mission would endure. He urged followers to remain calm, keep praying for Nigeria’s unity, and persist in advancing the ideals championed by the late cleric. Khalid also appealed to security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the murder.
Who else attended the summit?
Among the notable attendees was former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Solomon Selcap Dalung, who served under ex‑President Muhammadu Buhari. Several other prominent religious figures and community personalities were present, underscoring the broad-based support for the peace initiative.
The summit concluded with a collective pledge to sustain inter‑faith dialogue and to pursue justice for Masussuka’s killing, signalling a continued commitment to the vision of a harmonious and united Nigeria.