The Borno state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has demanded the rebuilding of demolished Churches in Maiduguri metropolis. Four churches were pulled down by the Borno Geographical Information Service (BOGIS) over failures to formalize land titles and property tax.
The demands were made Saturday in Maiduguri by the CAN Chairman, Bishop Naga Mohammed at the news conference held in Maiduguri, the state capital. “The incident that occurred last Thursday was the demolition of the EYN Moduganari and killing of Ezekiel Bitrus Tumba, 29 by the Civilian JTF,” he said. He disclosed that five other persons were also injured, while working at the church premises on July 5. 2021. He noted that the Executive Secretary of BOGIS, Adams Bababe allegedly brought Civilian JTF to the church not only to demolish it, but ended up killing Ezekiel.
Continuing, he added: “We’ve been thrown into a mourning mood, as the brother who was a bread winner of his family was sent early to the grave by the head of the land agency. “This was done for the simple reason of stopping Church expansion in the Maiduguri metropolis by BOGIS.” The Bishop said that with these latest activities; the land agency ensures that no Church is allowed to exist in the state.
According to him, the demolished churches include EYN Moduganari, Jubilee Sanctuary Church, Pompomari bypass, Total Gospel Mission International at River side, Sanctuary Church in Tudun Wada and Christ Forever Land at Pompomari bypass. He said the demolition of the churches in the last two years has fueled tension and caused disaffection among peace-loving Christians and Muslims in a fragile state. “We commiserate with the EYN Church, the injured and COCIN Pastor and his family; who lost the son,” he said. He therefore demanded for the constitution of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry (JPI) to investigate the killing and shooting at the Moduganari Church. He said that it’s to bring the perpetrators to justice with CAN being represented at the panel of inquiry.
While the demolitions of churches are investigated, the seized phones by BOGIS are returned to their owners. He said the seizures of handsets have infringed the rights of victims to communication and their freedom of expression. While appealing to Governor Babagana Zulum, he said: “He should use his good office to address all existing pressing issues affecting the Christian community in the state.” He also called on the youths and Christian community to remain law abiding and be guided by the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
