A group of Christian bishops on Friday gathered in Abuja, where they dismissed recent claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging a state-sponsored genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
The clerics spoke to journalists ahead of the North West Peace Summit and Humanitarian Awards scheduled for December 17 and 18. Leader of the delegation, Bishop Timothy Cheren, said the allegations were unfounded and did not reflect Nigeria’s realities.
“There is no state-sponsored Christian genocide in the country. However, we believe there are elements who may be fueling violence,” he said.
Cheren commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and called on citizens to support campaigns against terrorism and banditry.
He noted that while Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges, solutions require collaboration between government and the people.
He also urged religious leaders to refrain from inciting statements capable of escalating tensions. “The presence of peace does not mean the absence of justice. The government must ensure anyone involved in incitement is brought to book,” he added.
The bishops further praised the appointment of Gen. C.G. Musa as Minister of Defence, describing it as a move that would boost the country’s security architecture.
They advised the Federal Government to view recent U.S. concerns as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships aimed at combating terrorism.
The clerics also commended the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, for his contributions to peacebuilding, describing him as a “harbinger of unity” for the North and the nation.
Cheren said the upcoming North West Peace Summit in Kaduna, which the Sultan is expected to chair, would support ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace in the North West and across sub-Saharan Africa.
