President Bola Tinubu has again dismissed claims that Christians or Muslims are being targeted for killing in Nigeria, insisting that the country is not facing any form of religious genocide.
The President said Nigeria’s security challenges are driven by criminality, extremism and long-standing socio-economic issues, rather than religious persecution. He spoke on Friday in Abuja at the opening of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.”
Tinubu was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who delivered his address.
Responding to recent international claims that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria, the President said such allegations were unfounded and capable of undermining national cohesion.
“In recent times, the Federal Government and people of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations. These claims are not only false but harmful, as they can inflame passions and disrupt the peaceful coexistence we continue to build as a nation,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorist attacks in the country and have jointly condemned violence.
“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,” he stated.
The remarks followed controversial comments made weeks earlier by former United States President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christians were being persecuted in Nigeria and described the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.” His comments sparked debate at home and abroad, prompting the Federal Government to dispatch a delegation led by National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to engage US lawmakers and clarify Nigeria’s security realities.
Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting every citizen, regardless of faith, and promoting religious freedom and national unity.
“We must reject narratives that seek to divide us, whether from within or outside our borders. Nigeria’s strength has always been in its diversity and our ability to live together while worshipping differently,” he added.
The President commended NASFAT for its role in fostering unity and moderation, noting that its emphasis on tolerance and service to humanity contributes to national cohesion.
In a keynote address, Dr Nurudeen Lemu urged Muslims to remain steadfast in faith and optimistic despite the country’s challenges, calling for resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
