Activist Mahdi Shehu has strongly condemned Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Jingir for referring to Christians as infidels, describing the remark as reckless, un-Islamic and dangerous to interfaith harmony in Northern Nigeria.
In a post on X, Shehu accused Jingir of making “unguarded, inciting and reckless statements” that contradict Quranic teachings. He cited several verses, including Surah Al-Ma’ida 5:19, 5:59 and 5:68, which refer to Christians as Ahl al-Kitab, or People of the Book, a term denoting respect and recognition in Islam.
“His venomous statement is contrary to the dignified name of AHLIL-KITAB given to Christians in the Quran by Allah himself,” Shehu wrote. He warned that such rhetoric undermines fragile peace efforts between Muslims and Christians in the region. “Jingir’s unschooled statement has triggered another circle of reversing efforts of building peaceful co-existence between people of different faith, particularly in Northern Nigeria where peace is fragile,” he added.
Shehu urged Christians not to direct their anger at the wider Muslim community. “Christians should take note that Jingir’s irresponsible and senile statement of referring to Christians as Infidels is unislamic, cruel and insensitive and does represent the views of millions of peace loving Muslims,” he said.
The activist further alleged that Jingir’s comments were motivated by a desire for attention and political patronage. “His psychotic like statement is nothing but an invitation to be noticed and solicitation for continued political patronage so as to continue living in fake and undeserving temporary comfort,” Shehu wrote. He added that the cleric “should be ashamed of himself for willingly and deliberately discarding his age into the dustbin of ignorance.”
While acknowledging the right of Christians to feel offended, Shehu appealed for restraint. “Christians have the right to feel pained and react harshly. But their anger should be directed to Jingir and his cohorts and not to millions of Muslims who don’t share Jingir’s mental derailment,” he said.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over religious rhetoric in Nigeria, where inflammatory statements by public figures have previously sparked violence. Civil society leaders continue to call for accountability and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
