Human rights activist and Director-General of the Centre for Justice and Rights, Rev. Musa Dikwa, has raised fresh concerns over what he describes as the persistent persecution of Christians in Borno State. He also accused the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state of hypocrisy and “selling out” their members.
In a statement made available to journalists, Rev. Dikwa alleged that five Christians are currently being detained at a correctional facility in Borno State, awaiting trial over what he called “concocted allegations” of kidnapping and human trafficking involving one Aisha Kabiru. According to him, the prosecution team handling the matter consists of government lawyers, a situation he believes calls for concern.
Rev. Dikwa criticised Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, accusing him of presenting a false image of religious harmony despite the ongoing case.
“This same governor ordered Muslims and Christians to pray for the state and convened an inter-faith meeting to deceive the public into believing he values Christian lives. Sadly, CAN leaders attended this meeting. Who exactly is fooling who?” he said.
He expressed deep disappointment with the Christian leadership in Borno, accusing them of prioritising personal gain over the welfare of their members.
“Christian leaders in Borno State have sold out. They met with the governor and rubbished themselves because of selfishness and greed. Christians across Nigeria are disappointed,” he said.
Rev. Dikwa listed the detained Christians as:
- Binta Mamman
- Lami Samuel Dawa
- Esther Simon
- Yusuf Anuwa
- Amos Suleiman
He alleged that while extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have attacked Christian communities for years, the situation is worsened by what he described as the “compromised posture” of the state CAN leadership.
He specifically criticised Borno CAN Chairman, Bishop John Bakeni, accusing him of downplaying the challenges faced by Christians in the state. Dikwa also dismissed claims that 45 churches were reconstructed under the Zulum administration.
According to him, any church renovations carried out in Borno were done during the tenure of former governor Kashim Shettima, allegedly under pressure from the international community, not under Governor Zulum.
“Zulum did not reconstruct a single church. Unfortunately, CAN leaders have been compromised, which is why the governor continues to ridicule them,” he alleged.
Rev. Dikwa called for transparency, accountability, and stronger advocacy from Christian leaders in the state, insisting that the plight of persecuted Christians should never be politicised.
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