In a recent petition, Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, Director General of the Center for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity Nigeria, highlighted concerns about the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency in northern Borno LGAs.
Despite claims of victory by Borno State Governor, Babagana U. Zulum, Rev. Ali Dikwa asserted that many districts and villages remain under the control of insurgents.
The petition, addressed to President Bola Tinubu, emphasized the plight of Christians in these areas.
Rev. Ali Dikwa cited incidents like the kidnapping of Hajara Ishaya in 2019, who escaped in 2023 but was allegedly retaken by Boko Haram.
The “Repented Boko Haram” program, intended for former insurgents to disarm, was criticized for allegedly providing better conditions than those for law-abiding citizens.
Rev. Dikwa further claimed that Boko Haram still controls villages outside the northern LGA headquarters, conducting stop-and-search operations.
Instances of attacks on individuals, like the recent case of Haman Bwala, a Christian student singled out in an attack, were presented as evidence of ongoing insecurity.
The petition urged President Tinubu to address the situation, emphasizing the need to return displaced Gwoza Christians from IDP camps and establish a committee involving local Christian associations.
Rev. Ali Dikwa expressed hope that President Tinubu’s leadership could bring about positive changes and ensure freedom of worship for all citizens.
The plea concluded by thanking President Tinubu in anticipation of actions that would demonstrate effective leadership in resolving the challenges faced by Christians and Muslims in Borno State.
“Thank you, Your Excellency Sir, in anticipation of your kind actions that will show the world that Nigeria has gotten a true and promising leader”, he appealed.
