A group of Christian bishops on Friday converged on Abuja to dismiss allegations that the Nigerian government is sponsoring a genocide against Christians, describing such claims as misleading and unsupported by credible evidence.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting, the bishops acknowledged the grave security challenges facing the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and communal violence, but insisted that these problems affect Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines and do not amount to a coordinated or state-backed attempt to exterminate Christians.
According to the clerics, the use of the word “genocide” implies a deliberate and systematic plan to wipe out a particular group, a threshold they said has not been met in Nigeria’s situation. They warned that exaggerating or misrepresenting the causes of insecurity could inflame religious tensions, deepen mistrust among citizens, and undermine ongoing efforts at national unity and peacebuilding.
The bishops further cautioned religious leaders, activists and commentators against making unverified claims or using inflammatory language that could fuel fear, reprisals or international misunderstanding about Nigeria. They stressed the importance of relying on accurate data, proper investigation and responsible public communication, especially given the country’s religious diversity.
While rejecting the genocide narrative, the bishops did not downplay the reality of violence across parts of the country. They expressed sympathy with victims and communities affected by attacks and called on the federal and state governments to do more to strengthen security, ensure justice for victims, and address the root causes of unrest, including poverty, criminality, land disputes and weak law enforcement.
They also urged Christians and other Nigerians to continue engaging peacefully, supporting lawful efforts by security agencies, and promoting dialogue across faiths. According to them, portraying Nigeria solely through the lens of religious genocide risks overshadowing the broader and more complex drivers of insecurity confronting the nation.
The statement adds to an ongoing national and international debate over how violence in Nigeria should be characterized, with the bishops firmly maintaining that while the situation is alarming and demands urgent action, it should not be inaccurately labeled as state-sponsored genocide.