Tinubu Reiterates No Religious Genocide In Nigeria

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By Odekunle Doyin

President Bola Tinubu has again rejected claims that Christians or Muslims are being targeted for killing in Nigeria, insisting that insecurity in the country is not rooted in religious persecution.

The President stated this on Friday in Abuja while declaring open the 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul Lahi l Fatih Society. He spoke through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, at the event themed Building Resilience in a Changing World The Role of Faith and Community.

Tinubu said Nigeria is grappling with security challenges driven by terrorism, criminal activities and extremism, stressing that these threats cut across religious lines. He explained that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from violent attacks, adding that the Federal Government does not support or tolerate persecution of any religious group.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, the President warned against what he described as false and dangerous narratives capable of fuelling tension and undermining peaceful coexistence in the country. He said Nigeria has remained firm in rejecting allegations that portray the nation as hostile to any faith.

The President reaffirmed that there is no Christian genocide and no Muslim genocide in Nigeria, maintaining that the government is working tirelessly to confront insecurity and protect lives across the country. He added that national unity, religious freedom and the sanctity of human life remain top priorities of his administration.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to resist narratives aimed at dividing the country, whether coming from within or outside its borders. He noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the long standing tradition of people living together peacefully despite differences in faith.

He commended the Nasrul Lahi l Fatih Society for its contributions to peace building, moderation and national unity, describing the organisation’s teachings as important tools for resolving conflicts and promoting harmony.

The President encouraged religious leaders to continue preaching tolerance and mutual respect, stressing that diversity should be seen as a blessing rather than a source of conflict.

Also speaking at the conference, the keynote speaker, Dr Nurudeen Lemu, urged Muslims to remain steadfast and hopeful, despite the economic and security challenges confronting the nation.

The President’s remarks come weeks after former United States President Donald Trump alleged that Christians were being targeted for killing in Nigeria and threatened possible military action. The claim sparked reactions locally and internationally, prompting the Federal Government to send a delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to engage United States lawmakers and clarify Nigeria’s security situation.