The United States’ claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria have been met with skepticism by Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Senior Pastor of Guiding Light Assembly. In a recent video, Adefarasin described the Western narrative as exaggerated, questioning the sudden concern for Nigerian Christians. He noted that violence against Christians in certain regions is not a new phenomenon, citing 40 years of killings in southern Kaduna and the Plateau, as well as riots.

Adefarasin acknowledged the reality of attacks on Christians in parts of the country, condemning them as wrong, but emphasized that they do not constitute genocide. He suggested that the West’s renewed interest in the issue may be driven by Nigeria’s growing economic and strategic importance, rather than a genuine concern for religious freedom. The pastor pointed to Nigeria’s recent development of one of the largest refineries in the world and the discovery of minerals vital for nuclear energy and electric vehicles as potential motivations.

The comments come amidst rising diplomatic tensions between the US and Nigeria, following a threat by former US President Donald Trump of possible military intervention over the alleged mass killing of Christians. The US has been critical of Nigeria’s handling of the situation, with some officials accusing the government of not doing enough to protect Christian communities.

Adefarasin’s remarks highlight the complexities of the issue, with some arguing that the situation in Nigeria is more nuanced than a simple narrative of genocide. The Nigerian government has also pushed back against the US claims, arguing that the situation is being exaggerated and that the country is working to address the root causes of the violence.

The diplomatic spat between the US and Nigeria has significant implications for regional stability and international relations. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the two countries will navigate their differences and work towards a resolution. The international community will be watching closely, as the issue of religious freedom and persecution continues to be a major concern globally.