Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has dismissed claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, emphasizing that neither Christians nor Muslims are being targeted for killings in the country.
Speaking on Friday at the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community,” Tinubu clarified that Nigeria’s insecurity stems from historical, economic, and criminal factors—not religious persecution.
Represented at the event by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria is confronting terrorism driven by criminality and extremism.
Context: Former US President’s Claims
In recent weeks, former US President Donald Trump had alleged that Christians in Nigeria were being specifically targeted for killing, even threatening possible US military intervention if the Nigerian government failed to act. Trump had labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” claiming religious persecution was being ignored by the Federal Government.
The statement sparked controversy both within and outside Nigeria, prompting the government to send a delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to brief US lawmakers on Nigeria’s security situation.
Tinubu’s Statement on Religious Violence
According to a report by Freedom Online, President Tinubu said at the NASFAT event:
“In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations. These allegations are not only false but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the peaceful coexistence we continue to build as a nation.
“Nigeria’s response was clear, firm, and measured. We reaffirmed that our nation does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group. Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Muslims and Christians alike stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter.
“As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility and fidelity to the Constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria. What we have is terrorism driven by criminality and extremism—challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
The President assured that the Federal Government would continue to safeguard religious freedom, national unity, and the security of all citizens.
“We must, therefore, reject narratives that seek to divide us, whether they come from within or outside our borders. We must not allow internal or external forces to sow discord or promote dangerous stereotypes about our beloved nation,” Tinubu added.
Promoting Unity and Religious Harmony
Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s strength in its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of its people across religious lines. He commended NASFAT for promoting moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity, noting these as essential for national unity and conflict resolution.
“Let us continue to promote moderation, peaceful coexistence, and respect for our diversity. Our differences are a divine design, not a source of conflict,” he said.
The keynote speaker at the conference, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, encouraged Muslims to remain steadfast in faith and optimistic despite the country’s security challenges.
By Peter Joshua
