Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has declared that the state government has rebuilt no fewer than 45 churches destroyed during the Boko Haram insurgency.
He made the announcement while firmly dismissing claims that the conflict is a religious war, noting that more Muslims than Christians have been killed since the violence began.
Zulum spoke during a high level consultative meeting with the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam and the Christian Association of Nigeria at the Government House in Maiduguri. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the state government and religious bodies to combat insecurity and entrench lasting peace.
Addressing the leaders, Zulum underscored the crucial role of religious figures in promoting tolerance and unity, and sought to correct the narrative around the insurgency.
“It is absolutely crucial that we collectively dispel all false narratives that seek to portray our security crisis in religious colouration. Religious conflict is alien to us.
“Boko Haram conflict is not a religious crisis. It is an assault on our civilisation, humanity, and all that we hold dear, irrespective of creed. The perpetrators of violence have killed, maimed and displaced Muslims and Christians alike. They have destroyed mosques and churches with equal impunity,” he said.
He presented stark statistics to counter narratives of genocide claims: “The statistics of victimhood are stark and heart breaking. While every single life lost is regrettable, the data clearly shows that the overwhelming majority of those that suffered death, abduction and displacement are our Muslim brothers and sisters.
“The number of Muslim victims is, tragically, more than that of our Christian compatriots. This tragedy binds us in a common grief and demands a united response. Suffering knows no sect; therefore, our solidarity must know no bounds.”
Zulum detailed the state’s extensive reconstruction and resettlement programmes, highlighting the rebuilding of worship centres.
“I wish to inform you that, as part of our massive reconstruction programme across the affected local government areas, Borno State Government has reconstructed 45 Christian worship centres that were destroyed during the Boko Haram insurgency.”
In his explanation, he painted a picture of Borno’s unique interfaith family bonds and outlined the principle guiding the government’s efforts. He said: “Borno is not only strategically positioned geographically but also has unique and beautiful family composition dynamics. It is common to find under one roof brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, who profess different faiths. We share meals, we celebrate milestones, we grieve losses together as one family, bound by blood and love that transcend religious labels. This is our reality. This is our strength.”
“Our reconstruction policy is not based on religion or ethnicity. We rebuild based on need and on our commitment to restoring the social fabric of every community,” he emphasised.
Zulum called on religious leaders to be consistent voices for peace and urged communities to resist divisive rhetoric.
“I call upon you, our revered faith leaders, to preach peace from your Minbars during Juma’at prayers and pulpits on church service days. Let your messages be that of unity, tolerance and our shared values of love, compassion and justice.”
“I urge all of us to actively speak against any voice, within or outside, that seeks to divide us along religious lines. Let us encourage dialogue among our congregations and build bridges at every opportunity.”
He also called for international support to tackle the root causes of the crisis.
“To the international community, I want to call on you to partner with us in addressing the underlying causes of insurgency, including endemic poverty, illiteracy and hunger. Your support will also be appreciated in enhancing the capability of our military.”
Responding to the Governors presentation, the Chairman of CAN in Borno State and Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, said Nigeria’s problems are internal and must be solved locally.
“Nobody can solve our problem from outside. We are the ones that can solve our problem. America, UK, nobody. If we take what the governor said and implement it justifiably, we will have a peaceful society,” he said.
He urged political office holders to act with justice, fairness and without religious or ethnic bias to build trust.
On his part, the State Director of Administration of JNI, represented by Mal. Sa’adu Ngamdu, commended Zulum’s proactive leadership in facilitating the dialogue and reaffirmed the Islamic body’s commitment to peace and interfaith partnership.
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