Borno youths deny Christian genocide claim in Gwoza
The Gwoza Youth Forum (GYF) on Sunday dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, describing the claims as misleading, inaccurate, and divisive. Speaking at a press conference in Maiduguri, the National Chairman of the forum, Bulama Ali Haruna, referenced an editorial sponsored by the Gwoza Christian Community Association […]
The Gwoza Youth Forum (GYF) on Sunday dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, describing the claims as misleading, inaccurate, and divisive.
Speaking at a press conference in Maiduguri, the National Chairman of the forum, Bulama Ali Haruna, referenced an editorial sponsored by the Gwoza Christian Community Association (GCCA) in a national daily on October 30, 2025, titled “The Unspoken Genocide.”
The Forum, an umbrella body for both Christian and Muslim youth in Gwoza, said Boko Haram’s campaign was not a war against any religion but an assault on humanity, peace, and lawful order.
“Our respected Muslim and Christian leaders — the Emir of Gwoza, late Alh. Shehu Mustapha Idrisa Timta; the Chief Imam, Sheikh Bamanga; the Secretary of COCIN Church, Mr. Ayuba; the District Head of Ngoshe, Mohammed Aga; the District Head of Takombare, Hakimi Yahaya Audu; the Principal of GDSS Izge, Malam Abubakar; the Headmaster, Alh. Musa Hassan; a class teacher, Bulus Dogo; and an LGA staff member, Mr. Iliya Simon Tada — were all brutally murdered by the insurgents.
“Also, Boko Haram has so far destroyed 134 Eid grounds, 356 Juma’at mosques, 3,044 other mosques, and 97 churches across Gwoza LGA. These figures leave no doubt that the destruction was indiscriminate, not faith-based,” he said.
He noted that the records were verified through the local government, humanitarian agencies, and eyewitness accounts to ensure accuracy and objectivity.
Haruna said describing the tragedy in Gwoza as a “Christian genocide” distorts the truth, undermines reconciliation, and threatens the fragile peace that communities are striving to rebuild.
“Such narratives risk fueling new divisions, misleading public perception, and weakening the interfaith trust established through years of dialogue.
“The Gwoza Youth Forum, therefore, calls on the GCCA and all stakeholders to uphold responsibility, objectivity, and sensitivity in their public statements for the sake of unity and long-term peace.
“Both Muslim and Christian communities suffered immense losses — of lives, places of worship, and livelihoods — as a result of Boko Haram’s indiscriminate attacks.
“The Borno State Government’s ongoing efforts to rebuild churches and mosques and compensate affected families reflect fairness, inclusivity, and justice for all.
“We therefore urge the people of Gwoza, the entire nation, and the international community to join hands in promoting peace, unity, and collective healing, ensuring that Gwoza’s story becomes one of resilience, brotherhood, and hope, rather than division or hate,” he said.