Borno Government Planned Destruction of 20 churches causes outrage

There is tension in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as the state government has intensified efforts to demolish about 25 churches and schools.

The proposed demolition, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, told Vanguard might heighten insecurity challenges created by the Boko Haram.

The development has, therefore, continued to fuel speculations to Islamize the country, beginning from Northern Nigeria.

Newsem gathered that "the state government will embark on the demolition any moment from now."

Although there are conflicting figures of the number of churches and schools to be affected, sources confirmed that it would be close to 25.

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and owners of farmlands in the area had been served quit notices by the state government, intimating them of the plan to acquire the structures to construct 1,000 housing units.

A leaflet from the office of Borno State Ministry of Lands and Survey, dated August 20, and signed by one Musa Ummate (O/C Land Administration) on behalf of the commissioner, was obtained by newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja.

The leaflet is entitled, "Notice of acquisition and assessment/valuation of structures on proposed site for 1,000 housing units along Gubio road."

It read: "I am directed to refer to you farmers and holders of structures on the proposed site for caption 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 has directed through high powered committee on Construction Ref. no: HPCC/2500/HE/S/TEC/1 to notify you of his intention to acquire your farmlands 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."