The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has issued a strong condemnation against Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi over his controversial claim that Christians in Nigeria's Middle Belt region are burying empty coffins to fabricate stories of genocide.
PFN Denounces Baseless Allegations
In an official statement released on November 15, 2025, and signed by PFN National Publicity Secretary Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, the organization described Gumi's allegations as completely unfounded and inflammatory. The religious body emphasized that the claims collapse under even the slightest scrutiny and lack any evidence.
Dr. Ukafia pointed out that across all Nigerian cultures - whether Christian, Muslim, or traditional - there exists no practice of burying empty coffins. He explained that funerals represent deeply significant communal rites that are firmly anchored in real identities, genuine family connections, and authentic historical contexts.
Questioning the Logic of Mass Deception
The PFN spokesperson challenged the logic behind Gumi's assertion, questioning how entire communities could possibly stage fake burials without a single whistleblower coming forward or inconsistencies being discovered. He characterized the idea as not only illogical but profoundly insulting to grieving communities.
Ukafia reminded the public that Nigeria has documented thousands of genuine victims of terrorism and banditry, making any need to "invent" casualties completely unnecessary. He noted that these tragedies have been thoroughly documented by multiple credible sources including humanitarian organizations, international observers, satellite imagery, and media outlets.
Dangerous Propaganda and Division
The PFN statement described Gumi's allegations as a form of propaganda and misinformation that trivializes real loss, fuels religious and ethnic divisions, and distracts attention from the ongoing violence affecting communities across Nigeria.
The organization posed critical questions in their response: "If such mass staging truly occurred, who dug the graves? Who carried the coffins? Who filmed the events? Why has no participant, villager or bystander ever come forward?" They emphasized that public burials cannot be faked without multiple witnesses, and noted that Gumi has presented no evidence to support his claims.
The PFN expressed concern that this statement fits a disturbing pattern where Gumi routinely downplays or denies targeted killings of Christians. They accused him of attempting to delegitimize genuine suffering with a dangerous narrative timed to counter rising global concern, including recent condemnations by U.S. lawmakers.
International Context and Local Response
The controversy comes amid increasing international attention on Nigeria's security situation. U.S. President Donald Trump recently alleged that Christians are being killed in large numbers by jihadists in Nigeria and designated the country as a Country of Particular Concern.
President Trump called on the Nigerian government to address the situation or face potential action from the United States, including possible aid suspension and military considerations through the U.S. Department of War.
In response to these international concerns, the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu has issued multiple statements denying claims of Christian genocide. Top government officials have acknowledged terrorism in the country but emphasized that the attacks are not selective, arguing that Muslims actually suffer more at the hands of terrorists than Christians.
The PFN concluded by urging all public figures to exercise restraint and uphold truth and compassion in their statements, particularly when addressing issues involving human lives and national security.
