By Ado Oyeyemi
A Christian and former member of the House of Representatives, Peter Ibrahim Gyendyeng, has constructed a Juma’at mosque for Muslims in Gana Ropp community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The gesture has been widely welcomed by members of the Muslim community, who described the project as a demonstration of love, inclusion and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The development is coming against the backdrop of recurring communal tensions and violence in parts of Plateau State, including Barkin Ladi, where relations between Christians and Muslims have been strained over the years.
Speaking at the commissioning of the mosque, Gyendyeng said he undertook the project to promote unity and strengthen peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims in the community and across Plateau State.
The former lawmaker, who represented the Barkin Ladi/Bassa Federal Constituency, explained that he deliberately chose to build a worship centre rather than simply give money to members of the Muslim community.
He said financial assistance would eventually be spent, whereas a mosque would remain a lasting legacy and provide a place where worshippers could continually pray for peace, progress and development.
Gyendyeng said, “Any money you give to people will finish quickly. But when you give them what they cherish, it remains with them and creates a lasting impact.”
He added that the mosque was built as a symbol of unity and a reminder that people of different faiths could work together for the good of society.
The Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Ladan Gana Ropp, expressed appreciation for the gesture, saying the project had made Muslims in the community feel accepted and valued.
He said the community had never witnessed such a project from a Christian in the area and praised Gyendyeng for undertaking it despite no longer holding a political office.
According to the cleric, the mosque would remain a lasting legacy, unlike financial gifts that could easily be exhausted.
He said Muslims and Christians gathered during the commissioning to pray for Gyendyeng, the Plateau State Government and Nigeria, describing the gesture as one capable of changing perceptions and promoting harmony.
The Chief Imam urged Christians and Muslims in Plateau State to shun violence, embrace tolerance and work together to foster peace and development
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The commissioning was attended by Muslim clerics, pastors, reverends and other members of the Christian community, further underscoring the interfaith nature of the project.
