The Christian Association of Nigeria has rejected allegations of an ongoing “Christian genocide” in the country, stating that such claims are false and misleading. This response comes after foreign commentators, including US talk show host Bill Maher and US Senator Ted Cruz, made assertions about the systematic killing of Christians in Nigeria by Islamist extremists.

Maher claimed that over 100,000 Christians had been killed since 2009 and more than 18,000 churches burnt, while Cruz accused Nigerian authorities of ignoring or supporting the killing of Christians by jihadist groups. Cruz introduced a bill to sanction Nigerian officials allegedly complicit in such acts. Additionally, US Congressman Riley Moore urged the US Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and suspend arms sales over alleged persecution of Christians.

However, the Director of National Issues and Social Welfare at the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abimbola Ayuba, disputed these claims, stating that the pattern of killings across Nigeria does not show a religious motive. Ayuba noted that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism and banditry, citing examples of areas where Muslims have been targeted, including during early morning prayers.

Ayuba described the violence as a national tragedy, emphasizing that terrorist bullets “do not look for a Christian or spare a Muslim.” He warned against the exploitation of Nigeria’s insecurity by foreign groups for political interests, stating that such misinformation distorts the country’s image. Ayuba urged Nigerians to rely on local institutions to address insecurity rather than seeking external sympathy, cautioning that foreign sanctions could harm all citizens.

The Nigerian Presidency had earlier dismissed similar claims, maintaining that the ongoing insecurity is driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminality, not religion. The Christian Association of Nigeria’s response highlights the need for accurate information and context in understanding the complex security situation in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, it is essential to rely on verifiable evidence and avoid misinformation that can exacerbate the situation.