The Demolition of EYN Church LCB Maduganari By Dr. AB Asinamai

The unfortunate demolition of EYN Church LCB Maduganari by the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) under the watch of Engr. Adam Babane and which resulted in the death of Mr. Ezekiel Bitrus Tumba stands condemned. The Christian community in the state have endured years of persecution and in spite of that, have remain peaceful and law abiding.

The argument has always been that churches are being built in residential areas, but what the peddlers of that mischief will not tell you is that the state government have stopped the issuance of land permit for building of churches. And that mosque re being built by tax payers money which belongs to the indigenes of Borno state both Christians and Muslims. I don't condone indiscriminate building of worship centers, and would in good conscience condemn any illegal act committed by members of the Christian community. However, we will not tolerate injustice and will also tell truth to power. We re calling on men and women of good will and conscience to condemn this unjust act meted against the Christian community in Borno.

The call by the state government to investigate the matter is commendable, however, the statement issued by Mal. Isa Gusau on behalf of the state government fail short of calling for the arrest of the perpetrators, because a life was lost. From information gathered, the trigger was pulled by a member of the CJTF and that in itself is a big anomaly. When does CJTF become law enforcement agency of the government? Why would Engr. Adam Bababe include CJTF as members of his task force team, which law of the land empower them to become law enforcement agency? As it stands, the Christian community holds Engr. Adam Bababe responsible for the Murder of Ezekiel Bitrus Tumba. We therefore calling for the arrest of his killers and demand full compensation for the 5 churches that were demolished.

The Christian community in Borno state have always been and will continue to be law abiding. And as stakeholders in the Borno Project, we will continue to legitimately demand for our rights as indigenes and citizens of Nigeria. We will continue to support the government of the day in their pursuit of having a greater Borno for all. However, our resolve for peaceful co-existence should not be taken for granted. Let all leaders of good will know that the agitations we re facing at different fronts in Nigeria today is as result of years of Injustice that have been perpetrated by successive government on perceived minority groups, either ethnic or religious. We re calling on the Governor HE Babagana Umara Zulum to and in the interest of peaceful co-existence allow us have what is rightfully ours as enshrined the the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As a Christian, am highly disappointed by the leadership of CAN at all levels in the state. Let the leaders know that as a community, we have lost complete confidence in their leadership. There actions the past few days fell short of expectations. We re calling on them to put there house in order. 

To our Muslims brothers and sisters who stood by us in this trying time, we re grateful. This shows we re peace partners in the development of our dear state. As we continue to strive for truth and justice, let's do it within the ambit of law. To my aggrieved Christian brothers and sisters, I know times re hard, but let us be reminded that we re sojourners here on earth. As we await the outcome of the investigation panel set up by HE Engr. Babagana Umara Zulum, let's us continue to be law abiding and go about our activities without fear. 

May Borno Succeed, Amen!

AB Asinamai