CAN Cries Out Over Plans To Demolish Churches In The North

One of the core troubled state in the Northern part of Nigeria, Borno, has begun moves to demolish over 20 churches and schools. According to report, the state government would embark on the demolition exercise any moment from now.

“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 one. 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.”

The state government had already dispatched a notice to the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and owners of farmlands in the area intimating them of the plan to acquire the site occupied by the churches for a 1000 housing units.

A leaflet from the office of the 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 journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

The leaflet is titled, ‘Notice of acquisition and assessment/valuation of structures on proposed site for 1000 Housing Units along Gubio Road Highway.’

But a CAN source said, “Over 20 churches and many schools will be affected. The parcels of land 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.”

When Punch contacted the General Secretary of CAN, Dr. Musa Asake, he confirmed the development but called on the Borno State Government to have a rethink.