NATIONAL: Justify your claim that Christians are members of Boko Haram with videos, photos, CAN tells Zulum

THE Christian Association of Nigeria has challenged Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State  to substantiate his claim that Christians are members of the deadly terrorist group known as Boko Haram.

The religious association representing the interests of Christianity noted that he who alleges must prove; it therefore asked Zulum to release photo and video evidence to justify his claim.

CAN General Secretary, Joseph Daramola challenged the governor in an interview in the Punch published today.

He made the challenge in reaction to Zulum’s claim during a lecture organised in memory of the late legal icon and human rights activist, Gani Fawehinmi last Friday that the Boko Haram terrorist group has both Muslims and Christians as members.

The governor even alleged  that Asians, foreigners and other Africans are part of the terror group.

The governor had said, “I’m from Borno State, and many of our children are into Boko Haram. I’m not denying the fact. But again, they are being sponsored by many people across the world. Among Boko Haram, we have white men, Asians, Africans, Muslims and Christians.”

Reacting on Monday, Daramola cautioned the governor to stop mudslinging, adding that the terror group had shown in several videos where they belonged.

The CAN official said, “Anyone who accuses the other must be able to prove it. For the governor to say such, then he must have evidence. Let him post the photo and video evidence on social media of Christians who are Boko Haram members. I don’t think there should be any fuss. Anybody can say anything.

“We have seen them (Boko Haram) on videos carrying flags and identifying themselves. So, let these criminals that the governor knows identify themselves as criminals. It is that simple. Nobody should mud-sling. It is a very bad thing. Whether they are Christians or Muslims, the act is very bad on its own and should be condemned.”

Daramola, who noted that murder is against the tenets of Christianity,  said no Christian would carry such weapons as used by Boko Haram members to kill fellow human beings.

“No Christian will carry those weapons to kill fellow humans. The commandments of God explicitly stated that thou shall not kill and you don’t kill either physically or any form. Christians that are Christians will never engage in that. If Zulum has his facts, let him put it out.”