By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Gwoza Christian Community Association (GCCA) in Borno State has alleged that 148 out of 176 churches in the Gwoza community have been burnt down and remain in ruins following years of attacks by insurgents.
This revelation was contained in a statement jointly signed by the association’s National Coordinator, Rev. Dr. (Arch.) Ayuba John Bassa, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Rev. Filibus K. Goma — a former President of the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN) Church. The statement was shared during a Middle Belt Media Chat Forum for public awareness.
According to the GCCA, Christians in the region continue to suffer persecution and displacement as a result of repeated attacks allegedly carried out by Boko Haram insurgents. The association expressed deep concern that despite widespread destruction, many of the affected churches have not been rebuilt, leaving worshippers without places of assembly or refuge.
The statement titled “The Unspoken Genocide: GCCA Account on Christian Persecution in Gwoza, Borno State” detailed what it described as a long-standing pattern of violence and neglect. It claimed that many Christian families have been displaced, their homes destroyed, and their communities left without access to basic social amenities or security guarantees.
“The Christian community in Gwoza continues to live under fear and trauma,” the statement read in part. “Out of 176 churches that existed in the community, 148 have been burnt down and remain in ruins. Many of our people have lost their means of livelihood, and rebuilding efforts have been minimal.”
The GCCA called on the Federal Government, Borno State authorities, and humanitarian agencies to intervene urgently to restore peace, rebuild destroyed churches, and ensure the protection of all residents regardless of religious affiliation.
The group also urged international human rights organizations and faith-based institutions to investigate the alleged persecution and provide support for affected communities in Gwoza and other parts of northeast Nigeria facing similar challenges.
Gwoza, located in Borno State, has been one of the areas hardest hit by the Boko Haram insurgency since 2009, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life across the region.
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