No Christian or Muslim genocide in Nigeria, Tinubu insists

President Bola Tinubu has insisted that there is neither a Christian nor a Muslim genocide in Nigeria, while maintaining that the country’s security challenges are driven by terrorism, criminality and extremism rather than faith-based persecution.

The president made the remarks in Abuja on Friday while declaring open the eighth biennial conference and annual general meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), a prominent Muslim organisation.

He was represented by Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

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Tinubu stressed that claims suggesting a targeted religious extermination in the country are unfounded, insisting that Nigeria does not tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group.

He specifically dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide, describing such assertions as false and dangerous.

“In recent times, the federal government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations.

“These allegations are not only false but harmful and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the sustenance of the peaceful coexistence which we continue to build as a nation”, the president said.

According to Tinubu, both Muslims and Christians have suffered from terrorist attacks and violent criminal activities across different parts of the country, and adherents of both faiths continue to jointly condemn acts of violence.

“Our response as a nation has been clear, firm, and measured. We have consistently reaffirmed that Nigeria does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group.

“Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria, and they stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter”, he said.

The president reiterated his position that the security challenges confronting the country are rooted in terrorism driven by criminality, extremism, and other socio-economic factors, rather than religious animosity.

“As president, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility and fidelity to the constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria.

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“What we have is terrorism driven by criminality, extremism, and challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu also acknowledged the hardships Nigerians have faced in the wake of recent economic and structural reforms introduced by his administration, assuring citizens that the government remains committed to easing their pain.

He said his government is implementing measures aimed at stabilising the economy, strengthening security, and promoting unity, while calling on religious leaders and citizens to continue supporting efforts to foster peace, tolerance, and national cohesion.

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