The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has refuted claims circulating internationally that Christians are being systematically targeted for genocide in Nigeria.
The association described the allegations as misleading and driven by foreign interests.
The controversy follows remarks by US comedian and HBO host Bill Maher, who alleged that Islamists in Nigeria were carrying out a “systematic genocide” against Christians, claiming that over 100,000 Christians had been killed and 18,000 churches burnt since 2009.
Similarly, US Senator Ted Cruz accused Nigerian authorities of “ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians,” while proposing sanctions through his Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act.
Another US lawmaker, Riley Moore, also urged the US Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and suspend arms sales to the country.
Reacting to these statements, the Nigerian Presidency dismissed the genocide allegations as false, insisting that there is no religious war in the country.
Speaking with journalists, CAN’s Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, acknowledged that killings were ongoing in different parts of the country but rejected the narrative that they were targeted exclusively at Christians.
Ayuba said the violence has affected both Christians and Muslims, noting that insurgents have attacked worshippers in churches and mosques alike.
“The pattern of killings has truly not been in a particular pattern,” he said.
“In some Christian-dominated areas like Benue, it may appear Christians are being killed, but the same insurgency has claimed several Muslims during early morning prayers.”
He cautioned against the politicization of Nigeria’s insecurity by foreign actors, arguing that such narratives distort reality and harm the country’s image.
“When they open fire in a marketplace, the bullets don’t look for a Christian, spare a Muslim, or even a baby,” Ayuba said.
He urged Nigerians to pursue collective action to end the insurgency rather than seeking foreign sympathy.
“Why run to America when you have a Senate here where you can file your petition?” he asked.
“When they classify Nigeria as a country of particular concern, all of us will suffer.
“Those who go abroad to seek sympathy know what they are doing.”
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