Cleric Decries Deep-Rooted Grievances, Cites Shocking Case of Extremist Violence in Borno

The Executive Director of the Kukah Centre, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s rising social tensions, warning that the country risks deeper divisions if long-standing grievances and conflicts remain unresolved.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Barkindo recounted a disturbing case from Maiduguri, where a young man allegedly murdered his father and brother for rejecting his radical interpretation of Islam.

The cleric said the tragic story reflects the depth of trauma, anger, and mistrust festering within communities affected by years of insurgency and extremism.

“There are accumulations of grievances in this country — against individuals, institutions, and the government,” Barkindo lamented. “Conflicts happen, nothing is done, and society moves on as if all is well. This silence is dangerous; it breeds bitterness that could explode in the future.”

He underscored the need for truth-telling and reconciliation mechanisms similar to Rwanda’s post-genocide Gacaca model, where victims and perpetrators openly shared their stories to foster healing and forgiveness.

Barkindo revealed that during one of the Kukah Centre’s engagements in Borno State, a grieving mother recounted how her son, a Boko Haram member, killed his father and brothers “for not believing in his version of Islam.”

“Many families are carrying similar pain but have no outlet to share or process it,” he said. “That’s why community engagement and psychological recovery must be a national priority.”

The cleric commended institutions such as the Neem Foundation, led by Dr. Fatima Akilu, for their efforts in trauma recovery and deradicalization programmes, stressing that mental healing is just as crucial as rebuilding physical infrastructure.

“Beyond relief materials and housing projects, we must rebuild lives,” he added. “The government needs to take ownership of this process and ensure that affected communities truly recover from the horrors of insurgency.”

Barkindo’s comments come amid renewed global attention on Nigeria following U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military intervention if the government fails to address alleged persecution of Christians in the country.