By Peter Omopo
3rd September 2025
Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has cautioned Nigerians against religious profiling in the wake of renewed Boko Haram attacks, stressing that the insurgents kill indiscriminately, targeting both Muslims and Christians.
The lawmaker issued the warning on Wednesday in reaction to fresh assaults on Ngoshe village in Gwoza Local Government Area and Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
At least eight people were killed over the weekend—five Muslim farmers in Ngoshe on Saturday and three Christian youths in Mussa on Sunday. Dozens of houses and shops were also set ablaze during the attacks.
Ndume described the killings as “heartbreaking and deeply painful,” while honouring the sacrifices of troops under Operation Hadin Kai. He pledged to push for stronger security measures, including more personnel, modern weapons, and improved intelligence, to protect vulnerable rural communities.
The senator criticised an online media report that claimed all victims were Christians, warning that such narratives were misleading and dangerous.
“The forces behind these mindless killings are blind to faith and tribe. We should avoid this dangerous profiling, which can distract us and inflame passions. It can even dampen the morale of soldiers who are determined to wipe out this dangerous sect,” he said.
Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, commended the military’s efforts but urged the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of troops and provide adequate arms and ammunition to strengthen the fight against insurgency.
“Our people, whose only pursuit is peace and livelihood, continue to fall victim to the cruelty of insurgents. These men and women deserved to live, to farm, and to dream, but their lives are being cut short by those who thrive on violence and destruction,” he added.
