The Christian Association of Nigeria has rejected allegations of an ongoing “Christian genocide” in the country, calling such claims false and misleading. The response follows statements by foreign commentators, including U.S. talk‑show host Bill Maher and Senator Ted Cruz, who asserted that Islamist extremists are systematically killing Christians in Nigeria. Maher claimed that more than 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 and that over 18,000 churches have been burnt. Cruz accused Nigerian authorities of ignoring or even supporting the killings by jihadist groups and introduced a bill to sanction officials he says are complicit. U.S. Congressman Riley Moore also urged the Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and to suspend arms sales over alleged persecution of Christians.
Abimbola Ayuba, Director of National Issues and Social Welfare at the Christian Association of Nigeria, disputed these assertions. He said the pattern of killings across Nigeria does not show a religious motive, noting that both Christians and Muslims fall victim to terrorism and banditry. Ayuba cited incidents in which Muslims have been targeted, including attacks during early‑morning prayers, and described the violence as a national tragedy, emphasizing that terrorist bullets “do not look for a Christian or spare a Muslim.” He warned that foreign groups are exploiting Nigeria’s insecurity for political purposes, distorting the country’s image with misinformation.
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 previously dismissed similar claims, maintaining that the country’s insecurity is driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminality, not religion. The Christian Association of Nigeria’s response underscores the need for accurate information and context in understanding Nigeria’s complex security situation. As the nation continues to grapple with insecurity, it is essential to rely on verifiable evidence and avoid misinformation that could exacerbate the crisis.
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