Borno CAN Denies Planned Demolition Of Churches, Witch Hunting Of Members By State Govt

The Borno State branch of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday denied reports that over 20 churches and schools have been marked for demolition by the Borno State government to give way for the construction of 1000 housing units in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The group also debunked reports in a section of the media which portrayed Christians in Borno State as being witch hunted and denied access to the state government. Making the clarifications at a press conference which held at the CAN headquarters in Wulari area of Maiduguri metropolis, the state chairman of CAN Reverend Titus Pona said, “We feel duty bound to correct the erroneous impressions created by the said media reports which was credited to CAN, and wish to disown it. We believe that
the national CAN office acted in the interest of Christian community in Borno State based on the information contained in a letter dated 20th August, 2013 from the ministry of land and survey to some churches around the area of the said estate development.”

He added “We urge Christians to disregard the said report and continue their normal activities. Christians everywhere are known to cherish peaceful-coexistence. Here in Borno State over the years, we have without compromising the interest of the Christendom maintained a cordial relationship with the present administration in Borno State.”

Rev. Pona further noted that information available to CAN indicate that the planned construction of a housing estate would not warrant the demolition of any church, or any public or private structure at that location.