Tension has heightened in the Christian community in Borno State over the state government’s alleged plans to demolish over 20 churches and schools in the state.
This is in addition to the unceasing fears over the Boko Haram insurgents’ attacks that have mostly been directed at Christians in the state.
Sources said in Maiduguri on Sunday that “the state government will embark on the demolition exercise any moment from now.”
Already, it was gathered, the government has dispatched a notice to leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and owners of farmlands in the state intimating them of its plans to acquire some structures for a 1,000-unit housing project.
General Secretary of CAN, Musa Asake, who confirmed the development, called on the Borno State Government to have a rethink.
A leaflet from the office of Borno State Ministry of Lands and Survey dated August 20 signed by one Musa Ummate (O/C Land Administration) on behalf of the commissioner and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday spoke of the intention of the state Governor to acquire the said land.
The leaflet, entitled , ‘Notice of Acquisition and Assessment/Valuation of Structures on Proposed Site for 1000 Housing Units along Gubio Highway,’ reads: “I am directed to refer to you farmers and holders of structures on the proposed site for captioned matter above and regret to inform you that the Executive Governor has on the power conferred on him by Section (2)b of the Land Use Act 1978 directed through high powered committee on construction Ref. No. HPCC/2500/HE/S/TEC/1 to notify you of his intention to acquire your farm lands and assessment/valuation of the structures on the proposed site situated along Gubio Road, Maiduguri.
“The acquisition is necessary in view of requirements of the land by the state government for overriding public interest to construct housing estate.
“The affected farmers and holders of structures are to take note and appear on site for the above exercise, please.”
However, the Christian community alleged that the planned exercise was targeted at it “and not any proposed housing unit,” saying that over 20 private schools built by the churches would be affected.
“Over 20 churches and many schools will be affected. The lands on which the churches were built were bought from farmers and have the authority and certificate of the District Head in Maiduguri, popularly called ‘Bulama’.
“The land was not under the Ministry when it was bought.
“The Christians went for the meeting called by the Governor and for several hours, the Governor didn’t come out to see them.
“It is always difficult for Christians to get a land in Maiduguri. Even after getting the land, the government won’t give you Certificate of Occupancy.
“They compensated all Borno Muslims who are victims of Boko Haram. But how many Christians were compensated?
“We have seen that eviction notice from the Borno State Government. We are all Nigerians and there are other places where the state government can develop.
“The areas being earmarked for demolition are already developed with churches and schools.
“We have enough problems at hand and we don’t want to add another problem. Christians have suffered enough in Borno State.
“If the state government wants to destroy churches and build any housing estate, no Christian will see it as a sign of progress.
“As soon as we authenticate the source of that letter, we are going to reach out to the state government to make sure that Christians don’t lose their churches and lands there.
“But we have no reason to doubt the source of that letter. We have suffered enough in Borno State and enough of all these things which are coming in another disguise,” Asake said.
He urged the state government to use other land for the proposed estate in the interest of all.
“Borno State Government should reconsider that decision to demolish churches and their properties because in Borno State, there are many vast lands.
“They should do that instead of going to these areas where Christians have settled for long. We are asking the Borno State Government not to try it,” he added.
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