The Muslim Community in the Wuye District of Abuja has appealed to the Federal Government to rethink the planned demolition of the only two existing mosques serving the area.

At a media briefing in Abuja Sunday, Chairman of the Muslim Community in the District, Abdulrasheed Oyetunji, said officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had sent a letter of notification on the impending demolition.

While acknowledging that the Minister of the FCT, Bala Muhammad, had actually approved a parcel of land for the community to build a mosque, he however, lamented that certain interests were still preventing the actualization of the project.

Mr. Oyetunji said: “The Honourable Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Muhammad generously approved allocation of land for the community but some interests are still contending that. We appeal to the Federal Government, especially through the FCT Minister to kindly suspend the planned demolition pending the resolution of issues hindering the building of the new mosques on the land approved for the project.

“As a Muslim Community, we have ensured peaceful coexistence in Wuye District through propagation of religious tolerance, mutual respect and also by sustaining mutual relationship with security agencies

“If the two mosques are demolished, we will have nowhere to pray as congregating outside the designated places of worship may create suspicion from security agencies especially in this volatile period.

“We strongly appeal to the Hon Minister of FCT to kindly save our mosques that have been in existence for more than a decade from demolition. We also call on all good spirited individuals and groups to support the Muslim community with donation towards construction of a Central Mosque in the ever expanding district of Wuye.”