FG Addresses Claims Of Religious Genocide In Nigeria
The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly rejected recent allegations of religious genocide circulating in some international media and advocacy circles, describing them as “false, baseless, and divisive.” In a statement issued on Saturday, government officials stressed that such narratives were not only misleading but also dangerous to the fragile unity of Africa’s most populous nation.
According to the Ministry of Information, claims suggesting that Nigeria is experiencing systematic religious persecution or targeted genocide are “politically motivated and designed to tarnish the country’s global image.” The statement further argued that Nigeria, with its diverse cultural and religious communities, continues to promote coexistence, tolerance, and dialogue.
FG Reiterates Commitment to Religious Freedom
The government emphasized that freedom of worship is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guaranteeing the right of every citizen to practice their faith without fear of intimidation or harassment.
“The allegations of religious genocide are not supported by facts on the ground,” the government statement noted. “Nigeria remains a multi-faith country where Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers coexist, intermarry, and collaborate in building communities. Any attempt to frame the nation as a theater of genocide is an attack on our sovereignty and unity.”
Security Concerns Misconstrued as Religious Conflict
The government clarified that most violent attacks and communal clashes across the country stem from criminal activities, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and insurgency, rather than religious targeting. Officials urged local and international observers to distinguish between terrorism-driven insecurity and unfounded claims of religious cleansing.
Analysts argue that extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have tried to exploit religious sentiments for recruitment and propaganda, but security agencies maintain that their actions are terrorist-driven, not representative of any faith community.
The Federal Government further appealed to both domestic and foreign media outlets to exercise responsibility in their reporting. “Spreading unverified stories of genocide only inflames tension and risks destabilizing communities already working hard to achieve peace,” the statement read.
Civil society groups and religious leaders have also been urged to avoid sensational language that could deepen divisions. Instead, the government has called for greater interfaith dialogue, community engagement, and collective support for peacebuilding initiatives.
Nigeria’s history has shown that while religious diversity presents challenges, it also enriches the country’s social fabric. The allegations of genocide, if left unchecked, could be weaponized by extremist actors and political opportunists to further divide the nation.
What is required now is a balanced conversation that recognizes Nigeria’s insecurity challenges without painting them as religious warfare. Both government and civil society must work together to address root causes poverty, unemployment, and weak security systems rather than allowing dangerous narratives to take center stage.
The Federal Government’s dismissal of genocide claims underscores the urgent need for responsible dialogue, accurate reporting, and a unified front against insecurity. While Nigeria continues to grapple with banditry, insurgency, and communal violence, framing these crises as religious genocide only distracts from real solutions.
For a nation as diverse as Nigeria, unity is fragile and must be protected. Claims that are “false, baseless, and divisive” only serve to weaken that bond.
