The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has dismissed claims that Christians are facing genocide in Nigeria, describing the reports as misleading and politically motivated.

The council’s Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, told reporters in Abuja that insecurity across the country was driven by crime and poverty, not religion.

He said some foreign groups were using the narrative to create tension and discredit Nigeria’s image.

“There’s no Christian terrorism or Muslim terrorism in Nigeria,” he said. “We’re dealing with criminals, poverty, and migration issues. Some people twist these problems for political or financial reasons.”

PFN Stands Firm

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria disagreed. Its president, Bishop Wale Oke, said Christians were being killed because of their faith.

He made the comment during a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, over the weekend.

“There is Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Oke said. “No Christian group is attacking Muslims. But the patience of the church is being tested.”

He listed cases of religiously motivated attacks, including the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, the abduction of Leah Sharibu, and repeated attacks in Benue, Taraba, and Southern Kaduna.

U.S. and Trump Statements

The exchange followed renewed global attention after the United States listed Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently posted on X condemning attacks on Christians and warning of possible military intervention if violence continued.

Oloyede rejected the claim, calling it unfair and dangerous. He said the U.S. designation was based on biased reports and ignored Nigeria’s efforts to fight terrorism.

“This is political, not factual,” he said. “The government and international community should reject this kind of false narrative.”

Calls for Peace and Cooperation

Bishop Oke welcomed Trump’s concern but warned against any military intervention. He urged President Bola Tinubu to work with the U.S. and other partners through intelligence and joint operations instead.

“The President should cooperate with Trump, not oppose him,” he said. “Nigeria needs help to eliminate radical groups and restore peace.”

During the meeting, Oba Ladoja sympathized with victims of violence across the country. He called for calm and urged both Muslims and Christians to avoid hate speech.

“Terrorists don’t see Christians or Muslims — they just kill,” the Olubadan said. “In the South-West, we live together peacefully. Other regions can do the same.”

Politicians Warn Against Foreign Troops

In Osun State, APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye cautioned against allowing foreign troops into Nigeria. He said such action could worsen the situation.

“This isn’t the time for politics,” he said. “Nigerians of all faiths must unite behind the President to defeat terrorism.”

He added that both Muslims and Christians had suffered from the violence. “We should welcome intelligence and technical support, not foreign soldiers,” he said.

The Presidency has not yet responded to Trump’s remarks, but officials confirmed that diplomatic consultations are underway to manage the situation.