Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has stated that Boko Haram terrorists have taken the lives of both Christians and Muslims, emphasizing that this is not a religious issue.
Zulum characterized the Boko Haram crisis as an attack on Nigeria’s civilization and humanity as a whole.
He made these comments during a meeting with leaders from both the Muslim and Christian communities in the state.
Zulum asserted that the idea that the insecurity in the country has a religious aspect is incorrect.
He stated: “The Boko Haram conflict is not a religious crisis.
“It is vital that we work together to eliminate all false narratives that attempt to frame our security issues in a religious context. Religious conflict is foreign to us.
“The individuals committing these violent acts have harmed, killed, and displaced both Muslims and Christians. They have attacked Mosques and Churches without hesitation.”
He pointed out that statistics indicate that more Muslims have been killed and displaced due to Boko Haram’s actions.
“While every life lost is a tragedy, the data clearly indicates that the vast majority of those who have faced death, abduction, and displacement are our Muslim brothers and sisters,” he remarked. The governor mentioned that the insecurity situation should bring the people of the state together.
He revealed that the processes of reconstruction, resettlement, and rehabilitation for victims of insecurity in the state are based on principles of justice, equity, and inclusivity.
Borno State has long been a battleground for Boko Haram activities, but recent operations by the Nigerian military have been showing positive results.