No Genocide Against Christians or Muslims in Nigeria — Tinubu

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Tinubu Rejects Claims of Religious Genocide in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly rejected claims that genocide is being committed against Christians or Muslims in Nigeria, describing such narratives as misleading, divisive, and harmful to national unity.

The President made this known while addressing concerns raised by local and international observers regarding insecurity and religious violence in parts of the country. According to him, while Nigeria faces serious security challenges, the situation does not amount to genocide against any religious group.

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria remains a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation where both Christians and Muslims coexist peacefully in most regions, despite isolated incidents of violence driven largely by criminality and extremism.

President Addresses International Concerns

Clarifying Nigeria’s Security Situation

President Tinubu explained that recent reports portraying Nigeria as a country where Christians or Muslims are being systematically targeted for extermination are inaccurate.

According to him, the violence affecting some parts of the country is not rooted in state-sponsored religious persecution but rather in complex security issues such as:

• Terrorism

• Banditry

• Farmer-herder conflicts

• Organized criminal activity

He stressed that these challenges affect Nigerians of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds.

Nigeria Is Not a Theocratic State

The President reaffirmed that Nigeria is a secular nation governed by its Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens.

He noted that both Christians and Muslims occupy top positions in government, security agencies, and public institutions, further disproving claims of religious genocide.

Tinubu Condemns Attempts to Exploit Religion

Warning Against Divisive Narratives

President Tinubu warned that labeling Nigeria’s security challenges as religious genocide could inflame tensions and worsen an already fragile situation.

According to him, such narratives risk deepening mistrust between communities and undermining efforts to restore peace.

He urged political actors, activists, and commentators to exercise caution and responsibility when discussing sensitive national issues, especially those involving religion.

Violence Affects All Nigerians

Tinubu emphasized that victims of insecurity in Nigeria come from both Christian and Muslim communities.

He stated that:

• Churches and mosques have both been attacked

• Clerics of different faiths have been abducted or killed

• Communities across religious lines have suffered displacement

This, he said, proves that the violence is not targeted at a single religious group.

Government Efforts to Tackle Insecurity

Strengthening Security Operations Nationwide

The President highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration to improve security across the country.

These efforts include:

• Increased funding for security agencies

• Deployment of advanced surveillance technology

• Improved intelligence gathering

• Enhanced coordination among security forces

According to Tinubu, security agencies have recorded successes in disrupting criminal networks and reclaiming territories previously controlled by violent groups.

Addressing Root Causes of Conflict

Beyond military action, the President said the government is also addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.

He explained that long-term peace cannot be achieved through force alone but requires economic development, social inclusion, and justice.

Call for National Unity and Cooperation

Religious Leaders Urged to Promote Peace

President Tinubu called on Christian and Muslim leaders to continue playing active roles in promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding among their followers.

He praised religious organizations that have consistently spoken against violence and worked to mediate conflicts at the community level.

According to him, religious leaders remain crucial partners in building a peaceful and united Nigeria.

Citizens Encouraged to Reject Hate Speech

The President also urged Nigerians to reject hate speech, misinformation, and narratives designed to divide the country along religious or ethnic lines.

He emphasized that unity remains Nigeria’s greatest strength and warned that internal division only benefits criminal elements.

International Community Advised to Seek Accurate Information

Nigeria Open to Constructive Engagement

Tinubu encouraged the international community to engage Nigeria constructively and rely on verified information rather than sensational reports.

He assured foreign partners that Nigeria remains committed to protecting human rights, religious freedom, and democratic values.

The President said his administration welcomes support in areas such as intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, and economic development.

Human Rights and Religious Freedom

Constitutional Protections Remain Intact

President Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of worship and equal protection under the law for all citizens.

He stated that any individual or group found violating these rights would be dealt with according to the law, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.

Justice for Victims of Violence

The government, he said, remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of violence and holding perpetrators accountable.

According to Tinubu, strengthening the justice system is essential for restoring public trust and preventing future conflicts.

Conclusion: Nigeria’s Challenges Require Unity, Not Division

President Tinubu concluded by reiterating that while Nigeria faces serious security challenges, describing the situation as genocide against Christians or Muslims is inaccurate and dangerous.

He urged Nigerians and the global community to support efforts aimed at peacebuilding, security reform, and national unity rather than spreading narratives that could further divide the country.

According to the President, Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength, not conflict.