The Nigerian government has strongly rejected claims by some Western politicians and media figures alleging a “Christian genocide” in the country, describing the narrative as false, inflammatory, and aimed at fueling religious tension.
Recent statements by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, CNN contributor Van Jones, and TV host Bill Maher as well as a resolution by Canada’s Parliament labeling Nigeria “one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians” have drawn sharp criticism from Nigerian officials and security experts.
Independent analysts say such allegations distort Nigeria’s complex security realities, noting that violence in the country stems from terrorism, banditry, and resource conflicts rather than religion.
“Terrorists in Nigeria kill indiscriminately they do not ask for victims’ religion before attacking,” a senior security analyst said, emphasizing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered heavily from extremist and criminal violence.
Over the past 14 years, insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have targeted both churches and mosques, markets, and schools, leaving tens of thousands dead across faith lines.
In northern states such as Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, and Katsina, thousands of Muslim families have been massacred or displaced, just as Christian communities in the Middle Belt particularly Benue, Plateau, and Taraba have faced deadly attacks.
Security data show Boko Haram’s early attacks included mosque bombings, assassinations of Islamic clerics, and the killing of Muslims who opposed its ideology and evidence that the violence is not faith-specific.
Experts argue that Western mischaracterizations of Nigeria’s crisis serve political or ideological purposes, ignoring the shared suffering of citizens.
“Framing it as a one-sided religious war only deepens divisions and undermines peacebuilding,” another analyst warned.
They called for responsible reporting and international cooperation to focus instead on addressing root causes of insecurity including poverty, land disputes, and weak governance and supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism and community rebuilding efforts.
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