Ulama Forum Condemns Allegations Of Christian Genocide In Nigeria
The Ulama Forum in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the circulation of what it described as false, misleading, and inflammatory claims by certain international media outlets and influencers, alleging that hundreds of thousands of Christians were killed in Nigeria last year.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Convener, Aminu Inuwa Muhammad and Secretary, Engr Basheer Adamu Aliyu.
According to the statement, these claims are entirely unfounded, reckless, and designed to misinform the international community while fostering division within Nigeria.
The Forum emphasized that while Nigeria faces significant security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts, these are criminal acts that affect both Muslims and Christians, not a targeted campaign against any faith.
“In reality, the Muslim community in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest, has suffered disproportionately. Over the past decade, thousands of Muslims have lost their lives in attacks by bandits, terrorist groups, and insurgents. Areas such as the historic Sokoto Caliphate region have witnessed repeated violence, yet the plight of these Muslim victims is often ignored or underreported, while exaggerated claims of attacks on Christians are amplified globally.”
“The Forum strongly condemns Radio Genoa and other international outlets for spreading such unverified and incendiary narratives. Their deliberate dissemination of false claims, such as a supposed Christian genocide, not only misrepresents Nigeria’s reality but endangers the peace and security of the country.”
“Such misinformation emboldens terrorists, encourages religious prejudice, and risks igniting tensions between communities. The Ulama Forum calls on these media outlets to exercise responsibility, verify facts rigorously, and avoid spreading propaganda that can divide Nigerians and harm the nation’s reputation.”
“Islam firmly prohibits the killing of innocents and the targeting of any religious group. As the Qur’an states in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32): “Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely; and whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”
The acts of terrorists and bandits in Nigeria violate these sacred teachings and are condemned in the strongest terms by the Forum.”
The Forum urged all Nigerians—Muslims and Christians alike—to remain united and resist attempts by foreign actors to manipulate false narratives for their own agenda.
“While we commend the security personnel for their valiant effort to combat terrorism and maintain peace, we call on the Government to double its efforts and seek for all means of restoring law and order in all parts of the country. Finally, we strongly advise all international media to report responsibly, respect Nigeria’s diverse communities, and refrain from amplifying disinformation.”
