The Ho Central Mosque has been reopened to the Muslim community after months of closure, with the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, leading prayers and calling for peace and calm among the various factions within the Muslim community.
The reopening follows a shooting incident at the mosque in which several people were reportedly injured. Some members of the Muslim community said they remained traumatised by the incident and expressed concern that despite reports made to the police, no arrests had been made.
Speaking after the reopening, Alhaji Alfa Anas said the Muslim community was happy to regain access to the mosque after being compelled to pray outside for several months.
According to him, the closure had created significant difficulties for worshippers, particularly during the rainy season, when they were sometimes forced to pray outside despite threatening weather conditions.
He, however, appealed to the government and the security agencies to ensure that the shooting incident was thoroughly investigated and that anyone found culpable was dealt with in accordance with the law.
Another worshipper, Abdul Fatah, said the Muslim community would continue to pursue justice over the shooting incident, stressing that the reopening of the mosque alone could not erase the pain caused by the violence.
He alleged that there had been previous incidents involving the use of pepper spray, Tasers and other weapons at the mosque, warning that failure to address such incidents could lead to further tensions and confrontation.
Mr Fatah, however, appealed to members of the Muslim community to remain calm and refrain from any form of retaliation.
“We want peace,” he said, adding that the reopening of the mosque should provide an opportunity for Muslims to worship together and work towards restoring peace and unity within the community.
A youth activist, Mohammed Kidzah, also appealed to the various sides to maintain peace and allow the law to take its course in relation to the shooting incident.
He said the community did not want further confrontation and urged worshippers to avoid acts that could undermine the peace following the reopening of the mosque.
The reopening is expected to bring relief to Muslim worshippers who had been praying outside the mosque since its closure, while efforts continue to address the underlying dispute and ensure that the shooting incident is properly investigated.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
