Christian youths, leaders protest church demolition in Maiduguri
Hundreds of Christians, mostly youths, alongside dozens of church leaders of various denominations, yesterday staged a peaceful protest over the demolition of the Ekkliziyan Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), Church, otherwise called Church of Brethren in Maduganari, Maiduguri, Borno State.
A protest that erupted on Thursday after the demolition of the church by state authorities over irregularities, led to the death of one person, who was reportedly hit by a bullet fired by security personnel. Five others who sustained injuries were hospitalised.
Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the shooting and asked the police to investigate the incident.
The protesting leaders and youths have called on the state authorities to rebuild the church.
Earlier at a media conference at the demolished site of the church yesterday, the pastor in charge of the church, The Reverend Shawulu Auta Ndahi, condemned the killing and called on the state government to immediately assist the families of the deceased and those hospitalised.
“We have gathered here today to express our displeasure over what happened to our church and its members.
“Yesterday (Thursday) morning, about 11am, we received a distress call that some officials of the Borno Geographic Information System (BOGIS), in the company of some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and graders, came and demolished our church, with all facilities destroyed.
“In view of this unwholesome conduct, we are hereby displaying our certificate of occupancy and other relevant documents used in acquiring this land, which are legal.
“Therefore, as a church that believes in peace and unity, we have some demands for Governor Zulum to immediately reconstruct our demolished church and other facilities, including our water factory,” he said.