The leadership of the EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, has condemned the alleged demolition of the fence belonging to its newly established Local Church Branch (LCB) in Bale Kanuri, Maiduguri, describing the act as a violation of religious freedom and a threat to peaceful coexistence.
The incident occurred a few weeks after LCB Bale Kanuri held its first Sunday service. It was alleged that officials of the Borno State Geographical Information Service (BOGIS), accompanied by some local youths believed to be Muslims, arrived at the site in a Hilux van and a Golf wagon, and demolished parts of the church fence claiming that the building was constructed illegally.
A church elder who spoke about the incident said the group insisted that Christians did not have the right to build a church in the area without permission from residents, claiming Christians were a minority in the community.
Further findings revealed that the Ward Head (Mai Unguwa) of Bale Kanuri, whose name could not be identified before the report was gathered and some residents had earlier taken the matter to the Local Police division and the Department of State Services (DSS), attempting to stop the Christians from worshipping. However, both security agencies reportedly dismissed the complaint, recognizing the church’s right to practice its faith freely.
Resident Pastor, Rev. Paul Chandumi, condemned the action and appealed to the Borno State Government, security agencies, and human rights organizations to intervene and protect the fundamental rights of Christians.
“We are law-abiding citizens and followed due process in acquiring this land. It is heartbreaking that despite legal clearance, we are still being attacked simply for worshipping God,” Rev. Chandumi said.
He added that despite the hostility, the congregation remains committed to peace and unity, even providing water to a nearby mosque as a symbol of love and tolerance.
The EYN leadership expressed concern that the incident mirrors past hostilities, recalling the 2021 Moduganari church demolition where Ezekiel Bitrus, an EYN youth member, was killed during a similar BOGIS-led operation in Maiduguri. The Church warned that such recurring acts fuel the ongoing clamor over targeted attacks and possible religious genocide in parts of the country. These continuous provocations against peaceful worshippers undermine unity and could endanger our fragile peace. The government must take decisive action to protect all citizens and ensure justice is served.
EYN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, urging authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that freedom of worship a constitutional right is upheld for all Nigerians.
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