A coalition of Christian bishops and Imams under the Clerics Congress of Nigeria, the Nigeria Clerics Council of Bishops and Imams have rejected assertions of a state-backed genocide targeting Christians in the country.
The clerics were responding to recent remarks by the United States President, Donald Trump, who classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” alleging systemic attacks against Christians.
Speaking on behalf of the group ahead of the North West Peace Summit and Humanitarian Awards scheduled for 17 and 18 December, Bishop Timothy Cheren said there was no credible evidence to support claims of government involvement in genocidal acts.
“There is no state-sponsored Christian genocide in the country. However, we believe there are certain elements fuelling violence,” he stated.
Bishop Cheren commended President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to curb insecurity and urged citizens to support national campaigns against terrorism and banditry.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding and complex security challenges, noting that they pose serious threats to national stability but require cooperation between the government and the populace for sustainable solutions.
The clerics also cautioned religious leaders against inflammatory rhetoric capable of provoking violence or deepening divisions.
“The presence of peace does not mean the absence of justice. The government must ensure that anyone involved in incitement is held accountable,” Bishop Cheren added.
They further applauded the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, describing it as a strategic step towards strengthening the nation’s security framework.
“The recent appointment of Gen C. G. Musa as Minister of Defence is a step taken in the right direction. We also wish to commend him on that and hope this administration will continue to sit up in ensuring that the threat of insecurity is permanently dealt with,” he said.
International Collaboration
The clerics urged the Federal Government to view concerns raised by the United States as an opportunity to deepen international collaboration in combating terrorism.
Commending the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his consistent role in peacebuilding, the bishops described him as a “harbinger of unity” for both the North and the nation.
Bishop Cheren further highlighted the significance of the upcoming North West Peace Summit in Kaduna, expected to be chaired by the Sultan, saying it would reinforce ongoing efforts by the government and stakeholders to restore peace across the North West and the wider sub-Saharan region.
He also commended the 19 Northern state governors who recently gathered in Kaduna to raise funds to tackle insecurity in the region.
PIAK