A combined Christian and Muslim youth group, ‘Gwoza Youth Forum’, on Sunday described reports of a Christian genocide in the area as false and misleading.
A combined Christian and Muslim youth group, ‘Gwoza Youth Forum’, on Sunday says Boko Haram targets all religious adherents.
Bulama Haruna, the forum’s national chairman, denied the allegation at a news conference in Maiduguri.
The chairman, who was accompanied by a number of youths, alleged that the Boko Haram insurgents had in the past 15 years caused deaths and destruction of public and private properties in various Christian and Muslim communities in Gwoza LGA, irrespective of the victims’ faith.
He listed Agapalawa, Amuda, Jubrili, Zamga, Angurva, Pulka, Bokko, Aiga, Dughufaka, Chikide, Barawa, Paigi, Kirawa, Ashagashiya, and Ngoshe as communities affected by terrorist attacks in the area.
“The deaths of respected leaders, including the former Emir of Gwoza, the chief Imam, and several district heads and educators, demonstrate that Boko Haram targeted all religious faiths,” the chairman said.
According to him, the insurgents destroyed 134 Eid grounds, 356 Juma’a Mosques, 3,044 other regular mosques, 97 churches, homes, schools, hospitals, including Gwoza General Hospital, and 24 other primary health care centres. Other places affected by the destruction were local markets in Barawa, Kirawa, Pulka, Izge, and Warabe communities, he said.
“Over 107 Primary and Universal Basic Education Schools and 15 Secondary Schools were also burned. Police facilities, including the Divisional Headquarters and more than 13 Police Out Posts, were razed,” Mr Haruna said.
According to him, the Christian genocide claim distorts facts, undermines reconciliation, and threatens fragile interfaith peace.
“Such narratives risk creating new divisions, misleading public perception, and eroding the trust built over years of dialogue,” stated Mr Haruna.
He appealed to all stakeholders in the area to exercise responsibility, objectivity, and sensitivity in making public statements.
