President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly rejected claims that Nigeria is witnessing a targeted genocide against Christians or Muslims, insisting that the country’s security challenges are not driven by religious persecution.
The president made the clarification on Friday in Abuja while addressing participants at the 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fati Society (NASFAT).
Speaking through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Tinubu said allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria are false, misleading, and capable of fueling unnecessary tension.
According to him, the violence and insecurity confronting parts of the country stem from a mix of criminality, economic hardship, historical grievances, and extremist activities — not an agenda to exterminate any faith group.
“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide. What we are dealing with is terrorism and criminality, and the government is addressing it with seriousness and resolve,” the president stated.
Tinubu Responds To Trump’s Claims.
The president’s remarks come amid renewed international scrutiny following comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently alleged that Christians were being systematically targeted in Nigeria.
Trump had described Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and warned that failure by the Nigerian government to act could attract foreign intervention — a claim that triggered widespread reactions at home and abroad.
In response, the Federal Government had dispatched a high-level delegation led by National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to engage U.S. lawmakers and clarify the true nature of Nigeria’s security situation.
Tinubu stressed that the Nigerian government does not pursue — and has never pursued — policies that discriminate against any religious group.
He noted that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from terrorist attacks and banditry, and continue to jointly condemn violence across the country.
Call For Unity And Responsible Narratives
The president urged Nigerians and the international community to reject narratives that seek to divide the country along religious lines.
“We must not allow internal or external forces to promote dangerous stereotypes or inflame passions. Our diversity is not a weakness but a divine design meant to strengthen us,” he added.
Tinubu also commended NASFAT for its role in promoting moderation, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, describing faith-based organisations as vital partners in nation-building.
Scholars Urge Hope And Resilience
Delivering the keynote address at the conference, Islamic scholar Dr Nurudeen Lemu encouraged Nigerian Muslims to remain steadfast, hopeful, and united despite the nation’s challenges.
He emphasised the need for patience, community resilience, and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines to overcome insecurity and social tensions.
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