How Faruk, others got trapped in religious intolerance

The story of Binta Faruk, who converted from Islam to Christianity, betrays the insular attitude towards inter-religious converts and which has become a matter of concern that needs urgent attention, especially by the Nigerian Government and the United Nations.

The plight of Faruk who now runs Tabitha Evangelistic Ministry-a home for the persecuted and other victimised persons situated at Miango in Jos Plateau State of Nigeria, is another true life story.

On September 5, 2000 her father accused her of a crime she never committed for which she was thrown into prison without trial or bail, but was released on the strength of a petition by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to the Nigerian Government.

Her brother also went through similar ordeal that he had to abandon his career as a lecturer and flee to safety.

The same applies to Salamatu Ibrahim, whose convert name is Paul Abraham who also went through similar draconian treatment from his Muslim fundamentalists and assailants and according to Abraham, “I lost everything except Jesus.”

Sadly, there are several cases of persecutions going on unnoticed like the case of Salamatu, now Pastor Paul Abraham, who have gone into hiding for fear of persecution and even death, not only to cultural and traditional folly, but also to ethnic and religious bigotry.

The same lot befell Anale Emmanuel Shoaga and Samson Akinyemi which was published in The Guardian in December, 2013. They were forced to relocate abroad.