Tension in Maiduguri as govt moves to demolish 20 churches, schools

apprehensions among Christians in Borno State following attacks by the Boko Haram Islamic sect has taken a new dimension as the state government intensifies efforts to demolish over 20 churches and schools built by the churches.
The development has therefore continued to fuel speculations about the desperation to Islamize the country beginning from Northern Nigeria.
Our correspondent reliably gathered that “the state government will embark on the demolition exercise any moment from now.”
Sources hinted that the Borno state government has already dispatched a notice to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and owners of farmlands in the area, intimating them of the plan to acquire the structures for a 1000 housing units.
A leaflet from the office of the Borno State Ministry of Lands and Survey dated August 20 and signed by one Musa Ummate (O/C Land Administration) on behalf of the commissioner was obtained by journalists on Sunday in Abuja.
The leaflet is entitled: “Notice of Acquisition and assessment/valuation of structures on proposed site for 1000 Housing Units along Gubio Road Highway.”
It reads: “I am directed to refer to you farmers and holders of structures on the proposed site for the matter  captioned above and regret to inform you that the executive governor has by the power conferred on him by Section (2)b of the Land Use Act 1978 directed through high powered committee on construction Ref. no: HPCC/2500/HE/S/TEC/1 to notify you of his intention to acquire your farm lands and assessment/valuation of the structures on the proposed site situated along Gubio Road, Maiduguri.
“The acquisition is necessary in view of requirements of the land by the state government for overriding public interest to construct a Housing Estate. The affected farmers and holders of structures are to take note and appear on site for the above exercise, please.”
However, our correspondent learnt from reliable sources that the state government has no plan to develop any housing estate but to destroy the churches and over 20 private schools built by the churches.
A source said, “Over 20 churches and many schools will be affected. The lands on which the churches were built were bought from farmers and they have the authority and certificate of the District Head in Maiduguri popularly called Bulama. The land was not under the Ministry when it was bought.
“The Christians went for the meeting called by the governor and for several hours, the governor didn’t come out to see them. It is always difficult for Christians to get a land in Maiduguri. Even after getting the land, the government won’t give you Certificate of Occupancy. They compensated all Borno muslims who were victims of Boko Haram. But how many Christians were compensated?”
When contacted, the General Secretary of CAN, Dr. Musa Asake, confirmed the development but called on Borno State government to have a rethink.
He said, “We have seen that eviction notice from the Borno state government. We are all Nigerians and there are other places where the state government can develop. The areas being earmarked for demolition are already developed with churches and schools.
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