Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Monday, met with leaders of Jama’atu Nasril Islam and the Christian Association of Nigeria as part of efforts to deepen interfaith collaboration and reinforce peacebuilding initiatives across the state.
The consultative meeting, held at the Government House, Maiduguri, focused on strengthening partnerships between government and religious institutions to counter insecurity and promote unity among residents of the state.
Zulum, while addressing the gathering, underscored the pivotal role of religious leaders in shaping messages of tolerance, mutual respect and communal harmony.
He noted that Borno’s interwoven family structure, where relatives often belong to different faiths yet live peacefully under the same roof, remained a unique strength that should be preserved.
“Religious conflict is alien to us. Boko Haram conflict is not a religious crisis; it is an assault on our civilisation and humanity,” Zulum said.
He emphasised that both Muslims and Christians had suffered from the attack of the insurgents, adding that the reality on the ground should strengthen a sense of shared grief and collective responsibility.
On reconstruction efforts, Zulum said the state government had remained guided by equity and justice, rebuilding communities based on need rather than religious or ethnic considerations.
“To this end, the Borno State Government has reconstructed 45 Christian worship centres destroyed during the insurgency,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and freedom of worship of all citizens, urging faith leaders to use their platforms to promote unity, tolerance and peace.
He also appealed to the international community to partner with the state in addressing underlying drivers of insurgency, including poverty, hunger and illiteracy.
The governor also appealed for partnership in enhancing the capacity of Nigeria’s armed forces.
Responding, Malam Sa’adu Ngamdu, who represented the State Director of Administration, JNI, commended Zulum for initiating the dialogue and pledged their continued partnership in peacebuilding efforts.
Also speaking, the CAN Chairman in Borno and Auxiliary Bishop of the Maiduguri Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. John Bakeni, said Nigeria’s challenges must be addressed internally through unity, justice and responsible leadership.
“Nobody can solve our problem from the outside. If we take what the governor said and implement it justifiably, we are going to have a peaceful society,” Bakeni said.
He urged leaders at all levels to act with fairness, devoid of religious or ethnic bias, to strengthen public trust and promote peaceful coexistence.
NAN