The Mangu Concerned Muslim Consultative Forum has dismissed allegations that a Church of Christ in Nations building in Plateau State’s Mangu Local Government Area was converted into a mosque following recent communal attacks. Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations, had made the claim on Channels Television, stating that Muslims in Mangu had taken over Christian places of worship.

However, the Forum’s chairman, Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, described the allegation as false and provocative, insisting that no Church of Christ in Nations building was taken over or converted into a mosque. He stated that Reverend Dachomo’s remarks were inflammatory and unsubstantiated, aiming to portray Muslims as aggressors and incite fear and hatred.

The Forum demanded proof or a public retraction from Reverend Dachomo, requesting that he provide verifiable details, including the official name of the church, its location, and the date of the alleged conversion. Sheikh Haruna emphasized that Muslims in Mangu acted responsibly during the unrest, protecting Christian properties wherever possible, and cited the example of a Church of Christ in Nations building in Sabon Kasuwa that remained intact despite the absence of security personnel.

In contrast, the Forum accused Mwaghavul Christian militias of desecrating Islamic places of worship, including mosques in Mangu Daawo and surrounding communities, which were allegedly turned into refuse dumps and open defecation sites. The Forum warned that it would no longer tolerate attempts to malign the Muslim community through unverified claims and provocative rhetoric, calling on Reverend Dachomo to present credible evidence or retract his statement and offer an apology.

The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between Muslim and Christian communities in Plateau State, where communal attacks have led to the destruction of properties and loss of life. The Mangu Concerned Muslim Consultative Forum’s denial of the allegations and demand for evidence underscore the need for accurate information and responsible communication to prevent further escalation of the conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains crucial for community leaders to prioritize facts and peaceful dialogue to rebuild trust and restore stability in the region.