A significant gathering of Christian bishops in Nigeria's capital has strongly refuted international claims that the government is sponsoring a genocide against Christians. The clerics, meeting in Abuja on Friday, December 5, 2025, called for national unity and support for the state's security apparatus in the face of widespread violence.
Firm Rejection of Genocide Allegations
Led by Bishop Timothy Cheren, the delegation addressed the media ahead of the upcoming North West Peace Summit and Humanitarian Awards scheduled for December 17 and 18. Bishop Cheren stated unequivocally that there is no evidence to support allegations of a government-backed Christian genocide in the country. The bishops were responding directly to recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” citing such alleged attacks.
“There is no state-sponsored Christian genocide in the country. However, we believe there are elements who may be fueling violence,” Bishop Cheren asserted. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for its efforts in tackling the multifaceted insecurity plaguing the nation, urging all citizens to rally behind ongoing campaigns against terrorism and banditry.
A Call for Unity and Caution Against Incitement
The religious leaders emphasized that while Nigeria faces complex security challenges capable of threatening national stability, the solution lies in the collective will of both the government and the people. They issued a stern warning to fellow religious figures, cautioning against the use of inciting rhetoric and extremist teachings that could provoke further violence.
“The presence of peace does not mean the absence of justice. The government must ensure anyone involved in incitement is brought to book,” Cheren added, highlighting the need for accountability alongside peace efforts.
The bishops expressed confidence in the government's recent security appointments, specifically lauding the appointment of Gen. C.G. Musa as Minister of Defence. They described this as a positive step towards strengthening the nation's security architecture. Furthermore, they advised the Nigerian government to treat recent warnings from the United States as an opportunity to forge a deeper partnership in the global fight against terrorism.
Commending Peace Efforts and Looking Ahead
In a notable gesture promoting interfaith harmony, the Christian bishops commended the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, for his long-standing peace efforts. They described the Sultan as a “harbinger of unity” for Northern Nigeria and the entire country.
Bishop Cheren highlighted the forthcoming North West Peace Summit in Kaduna, which will be chaired by the Sultan, as a critical platform. He stated that the summit would complement the efforts of the government and other stakeholders in achieving lasting peace not only in the North West region but across sub-Saharan Africa.
This stance from the Abuja bishops aligns with similar recent statements from other Nigerian leaders. Legit.ng had earlier reported that Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, also dismissed claims that Boko Haram's campaign targets Christians specifically. Speaking at a meeting with leaders of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday, December 2, 2025, Zulum insisted the insurgency is not a religious conflict, citing evidence that more Muslims have been killed in the Northeast since the group began its attacks.
