Christianity in Borno State

Christianity represents a religious minority in Borno State, accounting for about 20% of the population in a region historically dominated by Islam. While Christianity has longtime roots in certain parts of the state (particularly among non-Kanuri ethnic groups in the south), Christians in Borno face systemic discrimination, violent persecution, and forced displacement due to religious extremism.^[1]

History

The presence of Christianity in modern-day Borno State dates back to the early twentieth century, when missionaries from the Sudan Interior Mission, the Church of the Brethren, and other evangelical groups established themselves in the region. These missionaries focused on spreading Christianity among non-Kanuri ethnic groups — such as the Babur-Bura, Chibok, Higgi, and Marghi groups — who were less influenced by the Islamic structures that dominated the Bornu Empire.^[1]

Despite early resistance from Islamic authorities, missionary efforts led to the establishment of churches, schools, and hospitals in towns like Biu, Chibok, and Gwoza.^[1] The educational institutions founded by these missions played a major role in promoting literacy and socio-economic mobility among Christian communities in southern Borno.

During the colonial and post-independence periods, Christianity remained a minority faith, but it continued to grow among minority ethnic groups. However, from the late twentieth century onwards, tensions between Christians and the Muslim-majority population escalated, fueled by political marginalization and the rise of extremist ideologies.

Discrimination and persecution

Christians in Borno State have faced systemic discrimination and violent persecution over the years. In 2000, 15 Christians were killed and four churches were burned in Damboa;^[2] in 2006, at least 65 Christians were killed and 57 churches were destroyed in Maiduguri during riots amid the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy.^[3]

Since the early 2000s, Islamist militant groups, particularly Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province, have extensively targeted Christian communities. Boko Haram has been responsible for mass killings, kidnappings, and church attacks during its insurgency, leading to the displacement of thousands of Borno Christians.^[4][5][6]

In addition to violent persecution, state government policies have also marginalized Christians with allegations of faith-based discrimination in the provision of humanitarian aid to Internally Displaced Persons. Reports indicate that Christian IDPs in government-controlled camps receive less support compared to their Muslim counterparts, with some being pressured to convert to Islam in exchange for assistance.^{[7][8][9][10]} Additionally, in the late 2010s and 2020s, the Borno State Geographic Information System has demolished churches in Maiduguri, citing zoning violations in moves that many Christian leaders see as targeted persecution.^[11]

Demographics and geographic distribution

Christians are a minority in Borno State, estimated to make up ~10% of the population. The Christian population is concentrated in Southern Borno — particularly in the local government areas of Askira/Uba, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, and Gwoza where Christianity has historically been practiced by non-Kanuri ethnic groups — and the state capital of Maiduguri, which has a significant Christian population largely made up of internally displaced persons from Boko Haram-affected areas and non-indigenes originally from outside of Borno State.

Several Christian denominations operate in Borno State including the Christ Apostolic Church, Church of Christ in Nations, Evangelical Church Winning All, Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, and Nigerian Baptist Convention. In addition, the Church of Nigeria's Anglican Diocese of Maiduguri and Latin Church's Roman Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri are based in Borno State.^[12][13]

See also

• Nigerian sectarian violence