News

SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY TEAR AN OPPRESSED PEOPLE APART.By:A.G.Abubakar

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY TEAR AN OPPRESSED PEOPLE APART.
By:A.G.Abubakar

The Ubuntu which is a Zulu philosophy of unity of purpose doesn’t seem to hold among the ethnic nationalities of Southern Borno. The philosophy is rendered as “Umuntu, Ngumuntu, Ngabuntu” which literally translates as “i am because we are”, or put differently to mean ” a person is a person through other people “. The import of both underscore the importace of unity of purpose among people in forging progress. This spirit of togetherness has but vanished among the people, as they pull in different directions, at a time they needed to turn the socioeconomic and political fortunes of the region around. No thanks, to ethno-religious factors and the inequitable manner succussive state governments treated the zone.

The present version of Borno State was created in 1991 after Yobe was curved out. Before then it was part of the defunct North Eastern State, comprising today’s Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Yobe states. The North East State was highly diverse in terms of faiths and ethnicnationalities. Maiduguri, the then state capital was a laid back and accomodating metropolis. Non of the ethnic groups namely; Fulani, Hausa, Bachama, Mumuye, Tera, Mandara, Tangale, Marghi, Bolewa, Babur, Bura Chibok ,etc tried to lord it on each other.

The Kanuri power was diluted. Across the state too Muslims, Christians and the various ethnic groups that made up the state (NE) lived in peace with minimal distrust. People like Minso Gadzama, Azi Nyako, Bello Kirfi, Abubakar Umar, Maina Waziri, Ibrahim Biu, Gujbawu, Yerima Balla, Shehu Awak, etc were collectively united in moving the NE state forward.

A spirit that resonated with Borno state’s current mantra thus becoming the “Home of Peace and Hospitality”; a mantra, now turned on it’s head, so it seems. Three decades down the line Borno State had turned out to be one of the most inequitable in the Nigerian federation. The state as configured in 1991 gave the muslim Kanuri absolute dominance that literally made smaller ethnic groups and the Christian religion punching bags. With a reduced surface area the Kanuri is able to exert absolute political and economic control over the rest with impunity. This, they do through both tacit and overt policies including divide and rule along fault lines such as ethnic, religious differences and cultural affinity.

The overt discriminatory policies started with the late Musa Dagash’s circulars nos.CSC/2/89, Ref: BO/CSC/459/5.2/1 of 17th April 1989 and CSC/3/89, Ref:BO/CSC/459/S.15/5 of 21st April 1989 respectively. The import of the circulars was to place embargo on the recruitment and promotion of Southern Borno indigenes in the the Borno State service. Their crime was that they came from the wrong region, besides they were considered “too many” in the civil service which called for decimation. Dagash then was incharge of the State’s Civil Service Commission.

The discriminatory practice didn’t stop there, as successive governments in the state found it difficult to equitably include Southern Borno people in state nominations for Federal appointments. People from the zone have to struggle on their own or through friends to secure places. Nominations for appointments as ambassadors, Chairmen and/or board memberships are exclusive preserve of the Kanuri.The attrition or the blocking tactics didn’t end with appointive opportunities; this has been extended to religion especially the non Muslim folks. Government’s posture towards the non Muslim community in state has become a source of concern for lovers of the state and her future. Today, the state would find it expidient to train Arabic teachers but not CRK.

Government too could provide state resources in support of mosques/Islamiyya but did so minimally for non Muslim worship centers. And in matters of career progression, non Muslim folks in the state civil service are not having it easy, compared to their Muslim counterparts from the same South. These and many more are sure recipes for instability, given the centrality of religion and ethnic identity in the lives of our people. Unfortunately in their quest for redress the Christian faithfuls tend to elienate the very southern Borno Muslim brothers, they should ordinarily join hands with, through omissions or commissions. First they overlook historical realities. Realities of inter and intra ethnic interactions across Southern Borno and indeed the Kanuri nation. Second, Islamic values have a binding characteristics that shape perception among the faithfuls. They see themselves as one Ummah. Thus it becomes naive to expect equal levels of reaction or despair among the Muslim and Christian groups in Southern Borno regarding the government’s widespread inequalities.

For a fact, Muslims from the South may not be faring any better but the religion and cultural affinity have numbing effect, especially when they stretch far back in history. The relationships among some of the groups predate the 19th century Islam (in action) and Christianity in parts of Borno during the 1920s. Early Churches include the CBM established in Garkida and then Waka in 1927 under the defunct Borno province. was in 1923 and came to Waka in 1927.

It is therefore obvious that the feeling may not be the same in terms of intensity. In specific terms, the Marghi (Damboa), the Mandara, the Babur enclave of Babur-Bura, the Tera, and the Fulani (in their midst) may feel less grudge towards the Kanuri. Not so good a development but that is the reality. Realities that should be born in mind in building a united front in the South in checkmating the powers that be, from the continued exploitation of this fault lines. The reality of Southern Borno is not a black and white issue which calls for contextual appreciation of the challenges. Internal wrangling, name calling and aggression as a strategy can only be counterproductive. Referring to each other as being slaves to the status quo, sycophants, sell outs, ignorant, enemies of progress for not sharing a stand amounts to shooting oneself in the foot. Worse still, the defeatist attempt by some elite Christians to railroad Borno South into the Middle Belt region.

The frustrations may be justified or even palpable, but it’s a defective strategy. For, it will solve one problem especially the Christian faithfuls but constitute a new challenge for their Muslim brothers (the unwilling co-travellers) in the new environment in all its complexities. The way forward is for the christian South to appreciate its relative size which is about 15 to 20 percent of the state population. It can not therefore force its way through.

The faithfuls should engage and educate/ engage the ethnic minority and Muslim brothers to collectively rise against marginalisation and uneven development in Borno State. Building such a consensus however requires being realistic and open, away from wishful thinking and blackmail. The current posture by some to the effect that ” you are either with us or against us” doesn’t help much. Peculiar problems born out of injustice should be presented and treated as such; and brought into sharper focus and context.

The battle requires numbers and a critical mass as such everyone counts.The Muslim and the Christian, the informed and the uninformed, the wise and the foolish, the enlightened and the unenlightened, the educated and the uneducated, all have a place. The reality is, they are not only in the same boat but are facing the same storm! They will have to depend on each other to prevail. Let’s all come clean. agbarewa@gmail.com

SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY TEAR AN OPPRESSED PEOPLE APART.
By:A.G.Abubakar

Related Topics:SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY

Up Next

Innovation, Partnerships Key to Solving Shelter Need of Nigeria- Stakeholder

Don't Miss

CSOs, Medıa Organisations, Urge Malı Burkına Faso, And Niger Juntas To Refrain From Transforming To Civilian Rulers, Call for Dialogue Against Withdrawal from ECOWAS

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Click to comment

News

Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex

Published

15 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex

By: Zagazola Makama

A fire outbreak has destroyed ten shops at a shopping complex in Garejin Mai Lena area of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, causing extensive property losses valued at millions of naira.

The blaze was brought under control through a joint effort by security operatives and local residents who assisted in putting out the fire.

Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the incident.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage.

Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex

News

Boko Haram: The worse days are over….Zulum

Published

20 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Boko Haram: The worse days are over….Zulum

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno state Governor Prof Babagana Zulum has assured citizens of the state that the worse days of insurgency are over.

In a state wide broadcast as soon as he arrived from his visit to Saudi Arabia, the Governor extinguished any iota of fear in the minds of the residents adding that they should not loose hope now that a ray of hope is waiting for them at the end of the tunnel.

He noted that what residents are witnessing now is the results of the rattling of the criminals in the Timbuktu triangle which is why they are unleashing such wickedness on the citizenry.

“However, I want to reassure you that the worst days are over. We have been constantly assessing the situation, and a robust, coordinated response is already in motion.

” These cowardly elements who seek to disturb our peace will obtain no sanctuary in Borno State. We will deal decisively with their recent resurgence.

“Fellow citizens, this fight is not the responsibility of the military alone; it is a collective effort. I must emphasise the importance of cordial, close collaboration with our military.

“They are here to protect us, and they need our eyes and our ears. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of our gallant soldiers, security personnel and our volunteer forces who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. My heart also goes out to every civilian whose life has been disrupted by this situation. Your resilience is the bedrock of our state, and the power of prayer in unison is a weapon no enemy can withstand.

“Furthermore, let me issue a stern warning to any individual or group that aids or collaborates with these criminals. To those who feed them with information, shelter them and their sympathisers, and provide logistical support, your time is up. You are not patriots; you are enemies of the state. You will be hunted down and made to face the full wrath of the law. Your actions betray our collective peace, and we will no longer tolerate them.”
Said Zulum.

Below is the full text of the governor’s broadcast to the state:

STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF BORNO STATE, PROFESSOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM, ON THURSDAY, 19TH MARCH 2026

My dear good people of Borno State,

I address you today at a moment that requires both our solemn reflection and our resolute unity.

Fellow citizens, the recent resurgence of insecurity in parts of our dear state over the past few weeks is deeply concerning. As the Chief Security Officer, let me assure you that the overall security environment, while tested, remains under control, and we are doing everything possible to protect lives and property.

Over the past seven years, we have worked tirelessly to restore peace and prosperity to the great land and rebuild our state. Within the period, we have responded with prompt, positive actions on every occasion. We have not allowed the dark dreams of the wayward ones to take root, and instead, we have fostered hope and resilience among the communities affected by the conflict. Through a combination of consultations and collective planning, with the strong support of our security agencies and the civilian JTF, the Almighty Allah (SWT) has helped us achieve some measure of success and peace.

We do not believe that the decrease in past attacks signals the end of the insurgency. No, it is not. In fact, at the leadership level, we are very conscious of the fact that much more needs to be done to permanently address the root of this madness and the menace of illogical attacks among our peace-loving people.

The recent spike in activity by these criminal elements is a direct consequence of the sustained and aggressive military operations being conducted across the theatre. These operations have dislodged the criminals, forcing them to flee and seek respite by infiltrating our communities.

However, I want to reassure you that the worst days are over. We have been constantly assessing the situation, and a robust, coordinated response is already in motion. These cowardly elements who seek to disturb our peace will obtain no sanctuary in Borno State. We will deal decisively with their recent resurgence.

Fellow citizens, this fight is not the responsibility of the military alone; it is a collective effort. I must emphasise the importance of cordial, close collaboration with our military. They are here to protect us, and they need our eyes and our ears. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of our gallant soldiers, security personnel and our volunteer forces who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. My heart also goes out to every civilian whose life has been disrupted by this situation. Your resilience is the bedrock of our state, and the power of prayer in unison is a weapon no enemy can withstand.

Furthermore, let me issue a stern warning to any individual or group that aids or collaborates with these criminals. To those who feed them with information, shelter them and their sympathisers, and provide logistical support, your time is up. You are not patriots; you are enemies of the state. You will be hunted down and made to face the full wrath of the law. Your actions betray our collective peace, and we will no longer tolerate them.

Let me at this juncture commend the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for releasing the necessary funding to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJT) and several other military operations across different theatres in Nigeria. This support is vital to the sustainability of the ongoing military operations.

I also wish to extend my appreciation to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented the President for the sympathy visit over the recent unfortunate incident.

I also want to extend our profound gratitude to the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), other law enforcement agencies, our dedicated CJTF, hunters, and vigilantees. Your professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices are the only reasons we have a state to return to. The nation owes you a tremendous debt that can never be fully repaid.

To our revered traditional rulers, I appreciate your steadfastness and your role as the custodians of our culture and conscience. I am equally grateful to our religious leaders and the entire people of Borno for their relentless prayers. I want to urge my colleagues in the political class to unite and support our efforts to restore peace. Our people look up to us for leadership, not division.

My dear people, as the political season intensifies, tensions may rise. But we must align our political interests with the stark realities of our security situation, including ongoing threats from insurgent groups and the need for community stability. Let us not allow politics to undermine the hard-earned peace we have built. I therefore call on all aspirants and their supporters to prioritise the greater interests of Borno State above their personal ambitions.

Since assuming office in 2019, I have been fair, just, and inclusive in my dealings with the entire political class. My loyalty to His Excellency, the Vice President, need not be overemphasized.

Furthermore, as a leader, I have embraced all and sundry. I have never betrayed the trust of members of the national and state assemblies, as well as political office holders of Borno extraction, at the state or national level.

Therefore, I want to call on all political actors to be wary of elements seeking to exploit the current situation to create unnecessary political instability.

As we look to the future and choose a new leader for our state, I urge all citizens to pray fervently for a worthy successor. Let me remind us that power belongs to Allah and He grants it to whom He wills.

As we approach the end of Ramadan, I call on all residents, both Christians and Muslims, to use this last hour of fasting and Sallah celebration to intensify prayers for peace, unity, and stability in our state and the country at large.

Consequently, let me use this opportunity to encourage citizens of Borno to be more vigilant. As we gather to break our fast toward the end of 2026 Ramadan, let us pay attention to our environment. Let us identify strangers, report suspicious movements to security agencies, and take the necessary precautions.

Once again, and with all the emphasis I can command, I urge you all to remain calm and observe your Eid prayers within your communities.

In conclusion, I seek your understanding and forgiveness for our wrongdoings and reassure you that Borno shall not fall into the hands of Boko Haram insurgents, insha Allah.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the people of Borno State.

Thank you and God Bless You

Boko Haram: The worse days are over….Zulum

News

Eid-el-Fitr: Senator Araraume Greets Muslims, Commends President Tinubu’s Leadership

Published

28 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Eid-el-Fitr: Senator Araraume Greets Muslims, Commends President Tinubu’s Leadership

By: Michael Mike

Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.

The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.

As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.

Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.

Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.

Eid-el-Fitr: Senator Araraume Greets Muslims, Commends President Tinubu’s Leadership