BOKO HARAM IS NOT RELIGIOUS CRISIS SAYS ZULUM AS HE MEETS WITH CHRISTIANS, MUSLIM LEADERS

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BY UTHMAN ABUBAKAR

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, said that the Boko Haram problem is not about religion. He explained that more Muslims have died because of this than Christians.

He shared this during a meeting on Monday with leaders from Jama’atu Nasril Islam and the Christian Association of Nigeria.

The meeting took place at the Government House in Maiduguri.
It was about working together with religious groups to fight the ongoing insecurity and create peace in Borno State.

The governor told the leaders that it is important for religious figures to help bring about tolerance, unity, and peace in society.

He said, “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. The 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 added, “The statistics of victimhood are stark and heartbreaking. While every single life lost is regrettable, the data clearly shows that the overwhelming majority of those who 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.”

He noted that following the series of attacks on worship centres, the state government has embarked on reconstruction and resettlement programmes.

“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.

“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 festivities and milestones, we grieve losses together, as one family, bound by blood and love that transcends religious labels.

“This is our reality. This is our strength. We must protect this sacred bond within our homes and allow it to define our individual, as well as intra- and cross-community engagements,” he added.

The governor said that during the state‘s efforts to rebuild, help people move back to their homes, and support them in recovering, the main ideas were fairness, equal treatment, and making sure everyone is included.

He explained, “Our plan to rebuild isn’t about religion or ethnic groups.
We focus on what people need and on helping to restore the connections and unity within each community.“

The governor, however, reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting insecurity.

“My assurances are unequivocal today: Borno State Government is committed to the welfare, security, and protection of every citizen.

“Your safety is of great concern to our administration. Your right to worship, according to your faith, without fear or hindrance, is sacrosanct. We will continue to work with security agencies and with you, our community leaders, to ensure this protection,” he said.

“Therefore, 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,” he appealed.