The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has dismissed allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, described them as false, misleading, and intended to create religious tension in the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Council accused the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of spreading propaganda and misinformation, saying such claims were part of a coordinated campaign by local and foreign actors to tarnish Nigeria’s image and sow division among its citizens.
According to the NSCIA, terrorism and banditry in Nigeria are not religiously motivated, as both Muslims and Christians have been victims of attacks. The Council referenced the U.S. State Department’s 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom, which confirmed that armed groups target both mosques and churches indiscriminately.
The NSCIA faulted the Federal Government for failing to take action against what it termed “local originators” of the false narrative, particularly some elements within CAN. It accused certain Christian leaders, including Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Joseph Hayab, of spreading “false alarms” abroad to attract sympathy and international pressure on the Nigerian government.
“Allegations of Christian genocide are baseless and dangerous to national unity,” the Council stated, adding that Nigeria remains a multi-religious nation with a long-standing history of peaceful coexistence among diverse faiths.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, unity, and understanding among all Nigerians, despite what it described as “relentless provocations” from certain quarters.
In related developments, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz recently introduced a bill seeking to protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria, while former British diplomat David Roberts dismissed the genocide claims as “false, exaggerated, and potentially harmful.” The Federal Government has also refuted the allegations, describing them as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
