Exposing Plans of Fake Hausa Activists & Ba-Zata Mischief Mongers to Cause Confusion and Discord in Northern Nigeria (12)
By Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
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• A Message to Northern Christians:
Today, I wish to direct this commentary particularly toward the Christians of Northern Nigeria, including Hausa and Fulani Christians. Do not be surprised that I specifically mentioned “Christians” in the title of this message. Indeed, this message is especially addressed to them because many people are still unaware that there are Hausa and Fulani adherents of the Christian faith.
Dear Christians of the North, especially those from the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, I am calling on you to understand the grave danger that is approaching the people of Northern Nigeria as a whole that’s Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers alike. Today, certain mischievous individuals, whose minds have been corrupted by evil influences, have joined forces with Biafran agitators and some Middle Belt ethnic elements with the intention of creating conflict among the people of the North.
Many of these troublemakers hide behind Christianity and ethnic sentiments in order to achieve their evil objectives. For example, in most of their discussions on social media, you will notice that they deliberately provoke hostility and attempt to create division between Christians and Muslims or between Hausas and Fulanis.
At this point, I urge you to understand that such actions are not beneficial to the people of Northern Nigeria or to the nation as a whole. You must resist these evil-minded individuals and refuse to support them in destroying the peace and stability of society. Remember that we have lived together as neighbours and relatives for many generations. Despite our differences in language and religion, there has always been mutual trust and peaceful coexistence among us.
Another important matter that you must recognize is that Christianity forbids violence among people. It also condemns hatred, hostility and tribal discrimination against one’s neighbours. In Christianity, kindness toward one’s neighbour is among the greatest commandments taught by God and by Jesus Christ Himself. The Holy Bible teaches that love is the foundation of Christian life. Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39). This demonstrates that worship of God cannot be separated from kindness toward humanity, because anyone who truly loves God must also love his neighbour.
Kindness toward one’s neighbour is evidence of genuine Christian faith. In 1 John 4:20, the Bible says: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates his brother or sister is a liar.” This verse clearly shows that one cannot claim to love God while harming or despising fellow human beings. Compassion, assistance and mercy are proofs that a person is truly living according to Christian teachings.
Jesus further emphasized the importance of kindness to everyone through the parable of “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:33–37). In that story, the Samaritan, some people despised at the time was the one who helped the injured man, while even those of the victim’s own background refused to assist him. Jesus showed that a neighbour is not merely someone from your tribe or religion but anyone who is in need.
The Bible also commands Christians to be compassionate and merciful. Colossians 3:12 states: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” These qualities are the pillars of good neighbourliness because they promote peace, understanding and unity within society.
Showing kindness to one’s neighbour brings blessings both to the individual and to society at large. Proverbs 11:25 says: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” This teaches that goodness returns to the one who practices it. A society filled with compassion and mutual support is more likely to enjoy peace, stability and progress.
On the other hand, tribalism and racial discrimination are strongly condemned in Christian understanding. The Bible teaches that God does not distinguish people based on colour, language or ethnicity. In Acts 10:34–35, it says: “God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right.” This verse rejects any ideology that elevates one ethnic group or race above another.
Tribalism and racial discrimination violate the law of love. Galatians 3:28 states: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This shows that before God, all people are equal and every form of division based on ethnicity or race has no place in Christian teaching.
The consequences of tribalism and racial discrimination include hatred, violence and social division. James 2:1 says: “Do not show favoritism.” Discrimination creates injustice, weakens brotherhood and destroys peace within society.
Tribalism and racial discrimination also weaken the impact of the Gospel of Christ because they contradict the spirit of love and reconciliation upon which Christianity is founded. In 2 Corinthians 5:18, the Bible states that God has given us “the ministry of reconciliation.” This means Christians are called to unite people not divide them.
Christianity also teaches believers to forgive those who wrong them rather than seek revenge or retaliation. In Matthew 18:21–22, the Bible says: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.’” This passage shows that forgiveness in Christianity has no limits.
Ephesians 4:32 further states: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This demonstrates that the forgiveness we extend to others should reflect the forgiveness God has granted us.
Colossians 3:13 also says: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Therefore, patience and forgiveness are essential foundations for peaceful coexistence among people.
Proverbs 15:18 declares: “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” This teaches us that patience promotes peace, while anger leads to conflict.
Romans 12:17–18 says: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Here, Christians are instructed to pursue peace rather than revenge.
Matthew 5:39 teaches: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Likewise, Luke 6:29 says: “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.”
These verses teach that Christians should overcome evil with goodness, avoid retaliation and demonstrate patience and forgiveness even in times of oppression and injustice.
In conclusion, Christianity teaches kindness toward one’s neighbour as both a spiritual and social obligation, while rejecting tribalism and racial discrimination. Kindness builds society, promotes peace and reflects genuine obedience to Christ. Tribalism and discrimination, on the other hand, destroy relationships, violate God’s commandments and invite His displeasure because “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and anything that contradicts love does not come from Him.
Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the Christian and Muslim communities of Northern Nigeria and indeed that of the whole nation in general to live together peacefully and remain vigilant against evil-minded individuals who seek to push them into violence and conflict against one another. We must all understand that whenever chaos and unrest erupt, everyone suffers regardless of tribe or religion. Peace is prosperity, while violence is destruction and loss.
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