The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has dismissed as false and mischievous, allegations by former United States President Donald Trump that a “Christian genocide” is taking place in Nigeria.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the National Secretary of the Council, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said the claim is part of a dangerous foreign propaganda designed to destabilise the country and sow religious discord among Nigerians.
According to Oloyede, there is no evidence to support suggestions that Muslims in Nigeria are persecuting Christians. He explained that the wave of violence affecting communities across the country stems from terrorism, criminality, and socio-economic pressures rather than religious motives.
“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. Both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorism and criminal gangs,” he said. “These attackers do not represent Islam. They kill Muslims, destroy mosques, and target everyone without discrimination.”
The NSCIA official cited findings from Amnesty International and other international monitors which, he said, have confirmed that the insecurity in Nigeria does not meet the definition of genocide under international law.
He further alleged that the renewed push to portray Nigeria as a religious persecution zone intensified after the country reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution in the Israel–Palestine conflict at the United Nations.
“Certain pro-Israeli and far-right groups are driving this false narrative to distract the world from the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza,” Oloyede claimed. “The quickest way to destabilise Nigeria is to inflame religious tension.”
The Council therefore urged Nigerians—both Muslims and Christians—to reject divisive foreign narratives and unite in addressing the nation’s genuine security challenges.
Oloyede also called on the United States to withdraw its designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and instead offer intelligence and logistical assistance to support the fight against terrorism.
“We will not allow any foreign power to fragment this country. Nigeria must remain united in peace and justice,” he declared.
The Council also appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure lives and property, expose sponsors of banditry, and protect citizens irrespective of their faith or ethnicity.
It would be recalled that former U.S. President Donald Trump had recently accused Nigeria of committing genocide against Christians and threatened possible military action—a remark that has been widely condemned by Nigerian authorities.
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