By Nworisa Michael
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday held a high-level consultative meeting with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), emphasizing the need for unity, truth, and collective responsibility in addressing the state’s long-running insecurity challenges.
The meeting, which took place at the Government House in Maiduguri, focused on strengthening cooperation between the government and major religious bodies as part of broader efforts to foster peace and social cohesion.
Governor Zulum, in his remarks, highlighted the unique social makeup of Borno, describing the state as a place where families naturally coexist across religious lines.
“It is common in Borno to find siblings, uncles, and aunts of different faiths living together under one roof. We celebrate together, mourn together, and stand by one another. This bond is our strength, and we must protect it,” he said.
Zulum stressed that the Boko Haram insurgency should not be viewed through a religious lens, noting that both Muslims and Christians have suffered losses over the years.
“The crisis we face is not a religious conflict. It is an assault on our collective humanity. The overwhelming majority of victims have been Muslims, but Christians have also suffered immensely. We share one pain and that pain demands a united response,” the governor added.
The Governor also revealed that as part of the state’s reconstruction programme, 45 Christian worship centres destroyed during the insurgency have been rebuilt, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the protection of every citizen regardless of faith.
He urged religious leaders to amplify messages of peace, tolerance, and reconciliation in sermons and congregational teachings.
In their responses, representatives of the two major religious bodies expressed appreciation for the governor’s leadership.
Mal. Sa’adu Ngamdu, speaking on behalf of JNI, commended Zulum for facilitating dialogue and reaffirmed the Islamic body’s readiness to work closely with the state government to promote peace.
CAN Chairman in Borno, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, also praised the initiative, noting that Nigeria’s challenges must be solved from within.
“Nobody from outside not America, not the UK can solve our problems. We have to solve them ourselves. If we implement what has been said here today, justice and peace will follow,” Bakeni stated.
He urged government officials to uphold fairness and justice in all dealings, adding that such values are essential for restoring trust and peaceful coexistence.
The meeting ended with a collective commitment to deepen interfaith collaboration and strengthen community resilience as Borno continues its long road to recovery.