Why century-old Bauchi mosque was demolished

The ancient structure is covered by a corrugated tin roof that gives the impression of a lone hut from a distance. Its interior is a combination of blue and white, with a red carpet that adorns its floor, giving it the look of a palace. Typical of some mosques, pillars stand in different locations within, […]

The ancient structure is covered by a corrugated tin roof that gives the impression of a lone hut from a distance. Its interior is a combination of blue and white, with a red carpet that adorns its floor, giving it the look of a palace. Typical of some mosques, pillars stand in different locations within, giving it a traditional atmosphere. This structure has held generations of Muslims. Here, worshippers have prayed for about 170 years, it is said.       
Now, every sign of the old mosque is gone. In its place is a new foundation and fresh blocks rising day by day. It has been demolished and replaced by the beginning of a modern edifice. Weekly Trust gathered that those in charge of the new project have described it as ‘a noble idea’ – which creates a conducive worship centre for hundreds of people. But again, some people believe the mosque should not have been destroyed because of its historical significance, after all, ‘The Galadiman Bauchi Mosque’ (as it is called) is said to be one of the oldest buildings in Bauchi and its existence reminds both residents and visitors of the relationship between Bauchi Emirate and Islam. In its state of disrepair, it was still a tourist site to behold.     
The mosque is described as one of the historic mosques in the state, built by the famous first Galadiman Bauchi, Alhaji Umaru Faruku, during the reign of the second Emir of Bauchi, Ibrahim son of Yakubu. Alhaji Muhammadu Awwalu Yahaya Galadanci, a worshipper and descendant of Galadima said it will be difficult to trace the actual year in which the mosque was built but “You can trace the history of the mosque with the beginning of traditional title of Galadima of Bauchi, which started in 1846, during the reign of the second Emir of Bauchi, Ibrahim, when the first Galadima, Umaru Abdullahi was appointed by the late monarch Ibrahim after he excelled in the war field.”
Galadanci said, when the first Galadima was appointed, many said he first built the mosque before the famous Galadiman Bauchi House, and since then, the mosque remained under the custody of whoever became the Galadiman Bauchi.
Initially, the mosque was built with musk and bricks and remained like that even though the custodian of the mosque ensured that it was well maintained during the reign of Galadima Umaru, when he replaced the roofing with zinc.
Galadanci is among those that are of the opinion that the Bauchi Emirate could have built a new Juma’at mosque without demolishing the old one, because of its history.
But, the current Galadiman Bauchi, Sa’idu Ibrahim Jahun’ justified the concept of a totally new structure: “The need for the expansion of the Mosque and renovation was initiated by the Present Emir of Bauchi Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu on the grounds that the project will not be abandoned  and after the completion of the project, the mosque will be used for Friday prayers, due to the fact that presently, there is no Juma’at mosque in the area, it will also reduce the amount of money spent in the renovation of the mosque annually, because it was dilapidated, its roof leaking every year.”
He explained further that the emir has directed for the commencement of the project on condition that it will not be abandoned, adding that, “at the rate we are going, it will be completed in the next three or four months.” So, because of the increase of population in the area and residential buildings that surrounded the mosque, it will be easier to build large mosque that would host many worshippers.
Galadima said over 360 worshippers were expected to pray inside the mosque, excluding its surroundings, adding that, it will be difficult to ascertain the number of worshippers that will pray in the surroundings outside the mosque on Fridays because of the large population of inhabitants and other mosques.
But how is the project financed? He intimated that the Mosque will be built through contributions from Muslim communities and presently, the Emir of Bauchi, Governor Isa Yuguda. Barrister Mohammed Abubakar, Alhaji Garba Noma, Alhaji Surajo Jibrin and many muslims had donated money, blocks, sand, gravels and other working materials. Galadima revealed that the project will gulp over N30 million and presently they have over N7 million at hand. He appealed to those who pledged to assist to redeem their pledges.
The Imam of the mosque, Imam Isma’ila, expressed gratitude to the initiators of the project and said he “prays to almighty Allah to reward all who contribute to the success of the exercise, as well as pray for its success, because it will accommodate more worshippers and help a lot in reducing the problems experienced during rainy season.
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony, the State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, expressed the commitment of his administration to support the project committee for the reconstruction of the mosque to achieve its objective.
The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleman Adamu, said the decision to build afresh was because of the dilapidated condition of the old mosque “which leaks when it rains.” Speaking on the significance of supporting mosque project, the guest lecturer, Imam Babangida Suleiman, of Abu Huraira mosque, said Allah had promised to build a house in paradise for anyone who supports the construction of a mosque. He therefore advised Muslims to give their financial and material donations for the success of the project.
Weekly trust gathered that the new structure has certain features that are common to all mosques, like a Mihrab, a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca, the direction towards which Muslims pray. And there will also be a minbar (or pulpit) from which a scholar is able to deliver a sermon or speech, especially during Friday prayers. Other common features that will be built, include, minarets, tall towers used to call the congregation to prayer.  Even though this is upstairs, the minarets will be highly visible and closely identified with the mosque.