…Links crisis to colonial-era agreements
…Speaks on Yelewata killings
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
An activist from Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State and Director General of the Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnic Matters in Nigeria, Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, has alleged that over 28,000 Christians have been displaced to Minawao, Republic of Cameroon due to insurgent activities in Northern Nigeria.
In a formal statement made available to our correspondent, Rev. Dikwa further claimed that an additional 18,000 persons were displaced to Karu in Nasarawa State, while 19,000 others fled to Taraba State.
According to him, these developments reflect the success of what he described as the “Islamization movement” carried out by Fulani militants, Boko Haram, and ISWAP jihadists in parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly citing the Christian community in Gwoza, Borno State as a case study.
“The Islamization movement’s achievements through Fulani, Boko Haram, and ISWAP jihadists in Northern Nigeria are succeeding, as seen in the case of the Gwoza Christian community in Borno State. Over 28,000 Christians have been displaced to Minawao, Cameroon; 18,000 to Karu in Nasarawa; and 19,000 to Taraba State,” he said.
Rev. Dikwa explained that the displacements, which occurred over 15 years ago, were the result of Boko Haram and ISWAP activities, which drove Christian populations out of their communities and, in some cases, into neighboring countries.
“Unfortunately, the Nigerian government appears indifferent. This is reportedly part of a broader agenda by Islamic leaders in Northern Nigeria to Islamize the country,” he alleged.
Rev. Dikwa also urged Christians to read “Tainted Legacy: Islam, Colonialism, and Slavery in Northern Nigeria” by Prof. Yusuf Turaki to better understand the historical roots of the crisis.
In a statement titled “The Influence of Colonial Era Agreements on Religious Dynamics in Nigeria,” he argued that Nigeria’s political structure has roots in colonial policies that favored one religion over others, which he claimed continues to influence governance today.
“The political system in present-day Nigeria stems from the colonial era. The Uthman Dan Fodio strategy of Islamic political jihad aimed to dominate Northern Nigeria for the Fulani ethnic group and for Islam,” he said.
He linked the ongoing killings in parts of Northern Nigeria to a strategy to take over Christian-dominated areas for Fulani and Islamic interests across West Africa.
“Muslims are aware that Nigeria has more Christians than Muslims. That’s why they’ve allegedly imported jihadists from neighboring West African countries to reduce the Christian population in Northern Nigeria,” he claimed.
He cited areas most affected as Plateau, Benue, and Southern Kaduna, referencing Patrick Johnstone’s 2001 “Operation World” for religious demographics: Christian – 52.61%, Muslim – 41.00%, and Traditional – 5.99%.
Rev. Dikwa also referenced a 1955 agreement between Northern Nigerian authorities and Christian missionaries, which allegedly restricted Gospel preaching in Muslim-majority regions.
He called on British and American governments to support a fresh national census in Nigeria, with a focus on recording citizens’ religious affiliations to enable accurate demographic assessments.
He also reiterated claims that Nigeria was registered as a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime, referencing a letter from the OIC acknowledging the receipt of $21 billion from Nigeria on February 5, 1990, allegedly signed by Dr. Hassan H.
Turning to more recent events, Rev. Dikwa condemned the June 13–14, 2025 killings in Yelwata, Ukoho, Ortese, Yogbo, and Daudu communities in Benue State, where he said Fulani terrorists from Nasarawa State killed over 200 innocent citizens.
“Despite these atrocities, not a single terrorist has been arrested. This raises concerns that the Nigerian government is protecting or supporting these groups,” he said.
He added that in 2012, he submitted a letter to the Department of State Services (DSS) referencing the alleged $21 billion OIC support fund, which he believes is linked to the broader Islamization agenda.
“I was invited by the DSS and met with seven directors. Only one, Habu Lili, a Muslim from Katsina, spoke about the grant. He said the $21 billion support to OIC would collapse Nigeria’s economy. When the Director of Operations asked me to provide the phone number of Boko Haram sponsors, I asked him: ‘Did you employ me here to do your work for you?’ They all laughed,” he recounted.
Rev. Dikwa concluded the statement, made available to journalists in June 2025, by reiterating his call for international attention and intervention in Nigeria’s religious and humanitarian crisis.
