At long last – after 13 years of insurgency in Borno State – residents of all religions in Maiduguri, the capital city, were able to make the most of the blessed Eid-el-Fitr festival and held peaceful, harmonious and joyful celebrations.
Instead of expecting attacks by insurgents, this year’s festival returned to normalcy. People wore bright, colourful outfits, drums rolled, delicious treats and feasts abounded and everyone looked happy and contented.
Even security personnel – present to ensure there were no insurgents lurking – had smiles on their faces as they watched over the celebrations.
Resident Ahmed Bulama said: “I observed Eid in peace, unlike in the past 13 years when all of us feared being attacked by Boko Haram [Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS)]. This year it was back to normal. I visited my family, greeted my friends and even wished strangers a blessed Eid.
“In the spirit of the celebration, I invited my interfaith friends and served them a feast of goodies – treats of all kinds. We thanked Almighty Allah for our friends of all religions and they were so pleased to be invited to share in this blessed festival.
“At Christmas, when Christians were celebrating, they also shared their important festivity with us. It was a sign we were united. Nothing beats unity and if we allow our differences to get the better of us it means we are not wise because every religion teaches us to be kind to all.
“I call on everyone to put aside their differences and to always give peace a chance.”
Dihel Samson, a Christian, said: “I felt so honoured to be among my Muslim friends this Eid. They invited me to their homes to enjoy and share their festivities.
“They gave me so many presents. We had delicious food, snacks, a barbecue and lots of other delicious treats. We gathered, rejoiced and ate together. We did not even think about our differences and it made me feel so happy.
“It shows we have reached a level of tolerance and understanding among one another. I call on people of all religions to practise the culture of sharing so that we avoid differences. Eid means being with loved ones and friends, not only from my faith, but with people of all religions. If we all treated one another as equals, peace would reign.”
Na’omi John, also a Christian, told RNI that her Muslim “sisters” came over and together they celebrated.
“I love our pure friendship and I realise friendship and support are all anyone needs.
“My wish is for the culture of peaceful coexistence to continue so that we will avoid conflict and we will be identified as a peaceful community.”
AISHA SD JAMAL
