Ashafa and Wuye had led rival armed militias in the violence which rocked northern Nigeria during the 1990s during which thousands were killed. Pastor Wuye lost his right hand in the fighting and Imam Ashafa's spiritual mentor and two close relatives were killed.
En estos enfrentamientos el pastor Wuye perdió la mano derecha y el imán Ashafa perdió a su mentor espiritual y dos de sus familiares cercanos fueron asesinados.