Tinubu Denies Religious Genocide Claims in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu firmly rejected allegations of genocide against Christians or Muslims in Nigeria. He spoke on Friday in Abuja while opening the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society’s 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community”. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi represented him at the event.

Tinubu described the insecurity plaguing the nation as terrorism rooted in criminality and extremism, not religious persecution. Both Muslims and Christians have fallen victim to these attacks, he noted, and stand united in condemning violence from any source. The government remains committed to promoting national unity, religious freedom, and the safety of every citizen.

The President addressed recent unfounded claims that stirred controversy at home and abroad. These accusations, he said, could inflame passions and disrupt peaceful coexistence. Nigeria does not tolerate policies targeting any religious group, he stressed, urging rejection of divisive narratives from inside or outside the country.

Tinubu highlighted the nation’s strength in its diversity, where people live together despite different faiths. He praised the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society for fostering moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity. Such efforts, he added, help resolve conflicts and deepen unity.

The statement followed remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who claimed Christians faced targeted killings and threatened military action. Trump had redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. In response, the Federal Government dispatched a delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to brief US congressmen on the true nature of the security challenges.

Keynote speaker Dr Nurudeen Lemu encouraged Muslims to hold fast to faith and stay optimistic amid national difficulties. As threats persist, Tinubu’s words seek to reassure Nigerians and allies that the fight targets terrorism alone, sparing no effort to protect all lives regardless of belief.