President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that terrorism in Nigeria is driven by criminality and extremism, urging Nigerians to dismiss narratives that could create divisions in the country.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja while declaring open the eighth biennial conference and annual general meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT). Represented by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the president reaffirmed that there is no Christian genocide in the country, stressing that both Muslims and Christians have suffered from terrorism.

“In recent times, the federal government and other well-meaning Nigerians have had to address unfounded allegations,” he said. “These claims are not only false but also capable of inflaming tensions and undermining the peaceful coexistence we continue to build as a nation.”

The president added: “Nigeria’s response has been clear, firm, and measured. Our nation does not promote or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group. Muslims and Christians alike stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter.”

Tinubu continued: “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. What we face is terrorism, driven by criminality, extremism, and other challenges that we are working tirelessly to overcome.”

He also said that his administration is committed to easing the hardships caused by ongoing reforms.