The Borno State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, has emphatically declared that no religious conflict exists between Christians and Muslims in the state.

The cleric insisted that Nigerians must look inward for solutions to their challenges, stating that no foreign nation can solve the country’s problems.

Most Rev. Bakeni, who is also the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Church Maiduguri Diocese, made the assertion recently at a high-level peace meeting convened by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the Government House.

The meeting gathered prominent Islamic scholars under the Jama’atul Nasrul Islam and Christian clerics.

Addressing damaging misinformation, the CAN Chairman questioned the narrative of internal strife.

“Are Christians and Muslims fighting in Borno State? No. Do we have challenges that affect both Christians and Muslims? Yes. So, who is the enemy?” he asked.

He stressed that religious leaders must preach truth and love, noting that God does not require adherents to fight His wars but to be instruments of peace and compassion.

“Nobody can solve our problems from outside; we are the ones that can solve our problems. America, England—nobody can solve our problems,” he said.

The Bishop concluded by urging Governor Zulum to continue demonstrating “inclusion and justice for all”, describing these two elements as essential for easing the burden of governance and ensuring a peaceful Borno State.