By Muh’d Shafi’u Saleh The President of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), Rev. Dr. Daniel Mbaya, has described the recent terro...
By Muh’d Shafi’u Saleh
The President of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), Rev. Dr. Daniel Mbaya, has described the recent terrorist killings by Boko Haram in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State as an act of ethnic cleansing.
He made this statement on Wednesday while reviewing the church’s worship services for the New Year 2025 and during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed pastors at the church headquarters in Kwarhi, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
“We are sadly witnessing renewed attacks on our communities by Boko Haram Islamic fundamentalists. Church communities have suffered greatly, while Chibok township remains secure due to the heavy presence of the military and its formations.
“The surrounding communities, however, are vulnerable and left to fend for themselves. While we commend the resilience of our pastors and members in these areas, we are deeply concerned about this continuous onslaught, which we see as ethnic cleansing under the guise of Boko Haram terrorism,” he stated.
He lamented that despite repeated calls on the authorities, the situation remains unchanged. “But we serve a God who is mighty in battle. In this assembly, we shall cry out to Him for divine intervention,” he emphasized.
Rev. Dr. Mbaya also extended his condolences to the people of Maiduguri over the devastating flood disaster they experienced in 2024. He called on the government to ensure the fair distribution of financial aid to affected individuals.
“Last year, we witnessed communities ravaged by floods, leading to the deaths of several of our members and the loss of properties with devastating consequences. Unfortunately, some of these disasters were due to human negligence, particularly the collapse of the Alau Dam, which affected Maiduguri and its environs.
“While we have extended love and support to our members affected by the flood, we urge the government to be transparent in handling relief funds. The authorities must ensure proper rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Alau Dam and implement safety measures to protect the area's inhabitants,” he added.
Speaking on the current economic hardships in the country, Dr Mbaya said he was not surprised.
“As a leader, I have repeatedly urged our pastors and members not to curse our country. We are to bless our nation instead.
“With economic indicators suggesting that these challenges may persist for some time, we urge the government to take necessary actions to ease the burden on citizens. The government must engage economic experts both locally and in the diaspora to find lasting solutions. Any country that depends solely on palliatives has no future.”
While commending Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his developmental projects, the EYN President called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that government policies are formulated for the benefit of the masses.
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