Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has called for mutual respect among people of all faiths, stressing that no religion should be regarded as inferior to another.
Speaking on Saturday at the 35th Anniversary Synod of the Diocese of Kafanchan, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Fani-Kayode expressed delight at the improving security situation in Southern Kaduna. He praised Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for his efforts in addressing religious tensions and fostering unity in the region.
The former minister recalled the dark period when Kaduna State was deeply divided along religious lines, noting that Christians were marginalised and subjected to violent attacks, particularly during the 2016 Christmas Day assaults in parts of Southern Kaduna.
According to him, about 800 people lost their lives across four local government areas in what he described as a “gruesome massacre” that left indelible pain on the Christian community.
He recounted how hospitals were closed, victims were abandoned, and affected communities were repeatedly attacked without adequate response from the authorities at the time.
Fani-Kayode stated that such tragic experiences only strengthened the resolve of Christians to stand firm in faith and resist oppression through peaceful means.
“To be a Christian is not to be a second-class citizen or a slave. It is to be a child of the living God,” he said.
