The Borno Elders Forum has strongly refuted recent allegations of genocide in Borno State, insisting that the people of the state have, in fact, been the greatest victims of prolonged insurgency rather than perpetrators of any atrocity.
In a statement signed by the forum’s secretary and spokesman, Dr Bulama Mali Gubio, the elders described the genocide claims as “false, malicious, and capable of igniting unnecessary tension.”
According to the statement, the people of Borno have endured over a decade of relentless attacks from Boko Haram insurgents — violence that has led to the deaths of more than 500,000 people and displaced over two million residents since 2009.
Dr Gubio emphasised that despite the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis, the people of Borno have never characterised the tragedy as genocide. Rather, they view it as the work of “agents of destruction” who have targeted both Muslims and Christians without discrimination.
“At a time when our people are still mourning the mass killings and displacement of loved ones, it is both insensitive and misleading for anyone to suggest that the victims are the aggressors,” the statement read in part.
The elders urged local and international observers to focus on supporting the ongoing peace and rehabilitation efforts in the North-East instead of spreading divisive narratives.
They further called for unity, cooperation, and collective responsibility among all stakeholders, noting that rebuilding Borno and restoring dignity to its people require sincerity of purpose and sustained commitment.
“The Borno people have suffered immensely,” the forum stated. “What we seek now is healing, not blame — progress, not propaganda.”
