Borno Christians Insist On Ongoing Genocide By Boko Haram
The Gwoza Christian Community Association in Borno State has raised alarm over what it described as an ongoing genocide against Christians in the area by Boko Haram terrorists.
In a statement jointly signed by Rev. Ayuba John Bassa, National Coordinator, and Rev. Filibus K. Goma, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the association said it possesses documentary evidence to support its claims.
“When a Senator recently told Channels TV that there is no persecution or genocide against Christians in Borno — particularly in Gwoza — he denied the lived reality of thousands of people he does not know. We are indigenous Christians of Gwoza Local Government Area. What follows is not hearsay or political rhetoric; it is our testimony — a painful record of loss, displacement and erasure, the group said.
“Before the insurgency, there were more than 176 large church buildings across the local government. Today, 148 of those churches were burnt and lie in ruins. Entire Christian neighbourhoods in Gwoza East and West were flattened; in many places, every Christian home was destroyed.
“The human cost is staggering. About 107,000 Gwoza Christians are scattered in 27 internally displaced persons camps across seven Nigerian states and in the Minawao refugee camp in Cameroon, while almost 50,000 are squatting with relatives in towns and cities across Nigeria.”
The association questioned the silence of authorities and Christian leaders over the attacks. “This pattern — the destruction of churches, removal of Christian families, and official silence or inaction — raises an unavoidable question: Is there a systematic attempt to erase Christians and their heritage from Gwoza?
“We plead for truth, accountability and action. To the Nigerian government: fulfil your constitutional duty to protect every citizen irrespective of faith. Conduct independent investigations, prosecute those responsible for targeted attacks, ensure equitable reconstruction and restore the right of displaced Christians to return home with dignity and security.
“This is our testimony as indigenous Christians from Gwoza. The blood and ruins cry out for justice. We have endured atrocities for too long, hoping things would change. They have not. The time for denial and silence is over. Please talk about it until the world knows.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
