SW News: In Nigeria, where Christians are regularly attacked by radical Islamist militants, an exceptional gesture of interfaith harmony has received appreciation. A Muslim man has donated an operation theater for a hospital run by the Catholic diocese of Oyo in the Ibadan province of the West African nation.

According to local media, Ahmed Raji donated an operation theatre to Our Lady Hospital under the Ecclesiastical province of Ibadan. Praising his brotherly affection, Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo of Oyo diocese urged citizens of the religious conflict affected nation to engage in more similar acts of interfaith cooperation.

During the inauguration ceremony of the operation theater on October 12, the Bishop further expressed hope that Mr Raji's goodwill toward Our Lady Hospital would bring about healing in a nation where religious extremism is on the rise.

Bishop Badejo said, “Let us all do unto others only what we would like them to do unto us, and things will be better for all.” Alongside, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, said that true religion could only be recognized when people lived in harmony, friendship, and solidarity. Furthermore, the top prelate stated, “It is the act of one who has good behavior that brought us together today; we should give and do good to all as the donor has done despite his religion.”

Nigeria has been struggling with internal security issues for nearly a decade. Apart from the havoc wreaked by Islamist insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, several armed gangs roam free, indulging in abductions and killings with impunity. Militants and gangs also regularly target Catholic priests and nuns. The attacks have forced civilians to flee their homeland and settle in other parts of the country.