The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), executive secretary, Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, has rejoiced with Muslims on the celebration of Eidel-Fitri, while calling for an end to killings in the name of religion. Omonokhua, also called for the promotion of love and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and the globe. The statement signed by Omonokhua partly stated:”Today is a day that the Lord has made. We rejoice and are glad to celebrate EID-el- Fitr with our dear Muslim brothers and sisters, after the long period of prayers and fasting during Ramadan. According to the Second Vatican Council, the Church regards with esteem the Muslims.

“Almighty Allah, protect your religion…Prove to us this day that you do not enjoy violence and that no one is allowed to kill in your name. “Teach us again that we are brothers and sisters from a common source and like a father; you do not enjoy the sight of your children killing one another in your name. Do not allow any one creates you in his image and likeness for many fights in their own name and claim that they are fighting in your name.”

Omonokhua added: “May this celebration change the heart of everybody from evil to good so that our world will once again enjoy love and peaceful coexistence. “It is still fresh in my mind how we used to look forward to Ramadan and Sallah when we were growing up. I cannot easily forget how we celebrate with Muslims during their festivals in the past.”