Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has called on Nigerians to reject attempts to frame the Boko Haram insurgency as a religious conflict, insisting that the violence is instead an assault on humanity and civilisation.
Speaking at the council chamber of Government House, Maiduguri, during a meeting with Christian and Muslim leaders on Monday, Zulum described Borno as a state with a unique family structure, where members of the same household often practice different religions.
He said the state's strength lies in its diverse family and community structures, where Muslims and Christians live, work, and celebrate life together often under the same roof.
Zulum warned that attempts to divide the state along religious lines threaten the fragile peace and urged all leaders and residents to speak with one voice against any effort to inflame sectarian tensions.
"Borno must reject all false narratives that try to create the impression of a religious conflict," he said.
He said families routinely share meals, celebrate festivals, and mourn losses together, regardless of religious differences, a strength that must be protected.
The governor recalled that Borno has endured over a decade of insurgency and terrorism, testing the resilience of its people, fracturing families, and challenging their shared humanity.
Zulum also called on the international community to partner with Borno State to address the root causes of the insurgency, including poverty, illiteracy, climate change, and hunger, and to support the military's capacity in combating terrorism.
"Boko Haram's campaign is not a religious war. It is an assault on civilisation, humanity, and everything the people hold dear," he said.
He disclosed that both Muslims and Christians have suffered deaths, abductions, and displacement, and that Boko Haram has destroyed mosques and churches across the state.
Zulum explained that while every life lost is tragic, statistics show that the overwhelming majority of victims those killed, abducted, or displaced are Muslims. He said this shared grief binds all communities and demands a united response.
On reconstruction, the governor emphasised that government action is guided strictly by justice, equity, and inclusivity, not religion or ethnicity.
He disclosed that since 2011, the Borno State Government has reconstructed 45 Christian worship centres destroyed during the insurgency, including 16 in Hawul, 11 in Gwoza, and 10 in Chibok.
Zulum described the rebuilt worship centres as symbols of hope and a collective determination to restore not just structures but trust among communities.
He assured that the government remains committed to the welfare, security, and protection of every citizen.
The governor urged religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim to preach peace, unity, tolerance, compassion, and justice in their sermons and congregational activities.
He expressed gratitude to respected religious leaders for consistently responding to government calls for special prayers and fasting to seek the return of peace in the state and across the nation.
Zulum commended faith leaders for promoting prayers, reconciliation, and unity in communities affected by years of violence.
Representing the Muslim community, Shekh Saad Ngamdu affirmed that Muslims and Christians in Borno have coexisted peacefully for decades.
"It is only in Borno that you find a Christian father while his son is Muslim, and vice versa, particularly in Chibok, Gwoza, Hawul, and other areas," he said, assuring that the communities would continue to live in harmony.
Dr. Bogna Bakeni, Chairman of the Borno Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), praised the governor's leadership and inclusive approach.
He said religious leaders play a critical role in guiding their communities, adding that preaching peace and unity will strengthen social cohesion.
"If we, as leaders, get it right, our followers will follow suit," he said, urging collaboration between government and religious institutions to sustain peace in the state.