George Alli calls for peace over move to demolish mosque in Otukpo

The Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. George Alli, on Wednesday, 27th January, 2021 sued for religious peace and harmony in the land.

Hon. Alli stated this while welcoming the General Manager (GM), Benue State Urban Development Board, Hon. Saint Gbileka, who visited Government Secondary School (GSS) Otukpo, on a fact finding mission to ascertain the true position of issues relating to the mosque which was said to have been built by an old student of the school without Government’s approval.

The GM Benue State Urban Development, Mr. Saint Gbileka on his part stated that the government is not out to demolish the structure but to see what measures they are to take in order to correct any mistake that was made; stating that the building does not have approval from the state Urban Development Board. Saint Gbileka said the board is committed to ensuring that peace and love continue to reign in the land.

The Otukpo Council Boss said, “Let me thank the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Chief. Samuel Ortom, for his speedy intervention and wisdom in managing this matter. This is a sensitive issue which could snowball into a religious crisis if not handled properly”.

Rt. Hon. George Alli also thanked the GM, Urban Development Board, for taking time to come see things for himself.

The Council Boss advised people to learn to build bridges of brotherliness, tolerance, religious peace and harmony in all their dealings. Hon. Alli said the structure will remain pending until state government takes a decision on it.

Speaking also, the Acting Principal of GSS Otukpo, Mr. Ode Godwin Anyebe thanked the government for the steps taken so far. He also appreciated efforts by the Muslim community in Otukpo, as well as the Education Secretary (ES) of Otukpo Local Lovernment, for averting a major crisis and their tireless efforts towards amicable resolution of the situation.

Alhaji Saliyu Musa, a stakeholder of the Muslim community in Otukpo also thanked the government for the manner it has handle the issue. He appealed to the authority to allow the building to stand; noting that the structure has been there for a very long time. He said the building in question is not a new structure but an old building that was given a face lift.

Also present during the visit was Hon. Igoche Ajaka Ikwue, SA on Security affairs, Otukpo LG; Council ofgicials and, some officials of Benue Stste Urban Development Board; stakeholders from the Muslim community in Otukpo.