AGF says no Christian genocide in Nigeria

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has dismissed allegations suggesting that Christians are being systematically targeted or killed in Nigeria, insisting that the country is not witnessing any form of religious genocide.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi SAN at the event | Credit: Dare Akogun

Fagbemi made the statement on Saturday at the coronation of the 21st Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Jimoh Adebowale Adesoye (Adetona I), held in Erin-Ile, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Jimoh Adebowale Adesoye (Adetona1) | Credit: Dare Akogun

The minister described claims circulating both locally and internationally as “misleading and dangerous,” saying violence across the country does not discriminate along religious or ethnic lines.

“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. There is no persecution of any religion, sect or ethnic nationality in the country,” Fagbemi said.

According to him, persistent insecurity in some parts of Nigeria affects communities regardless of their religious composition, noting that states with predominantly Muslim populations have also experienced repeated violent attacks.

“Killings are happening in Zamfara, Sokoto and other Muslim-dominated areas. That is not to say the situation is okay, but it shows clearly that violence is not targeted at any particular religion,” he added.

The AGF maintained that the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and other security challenges, stressing that recent operations had yielded significant progress.

“The government is winning the war against terrorism. Necessary steps are being taken to ensure that killings and banditry are nipped in the bud,” he said.

Fagbemi also reiterated his call for patience with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing ongoing reforms as essential to repositioning the country.

“We all know the present situation is not rosy, but there is certainly light at the end of the tunnel. The President is building a solid foundation for a prosperous nation,” he said.

He further noted that Tinubu had shown deep commitment to the traditional institution and grassroots development, citing efforts toward local government autonomy and direct remittances to LGAs.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Bata, reaffirmed the state government’s support for traditional rulers, describing them as “vital partners in maintaining peace and promoting development.”

In his acceptance speech, the new Elerin, Oba Adesoye, thanked the community for entrusting him with the throne and pledged to dedicate his reign to the growth and progress of Erin-Ile.

He said youths, who make up about 65 percent of the town’s productive population, would play a central role in agriculture, healthcare, food security, rural development and community security.

The coronation featured the presentation of the beaded crown by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and was attended by traditional rulers, political leaders and dignitaries from within and outside Kwara State.

Olori of the Elerin of Erin, Elerin of Erin Oba Jimoh Adebowale Adesoye (Adetona1) and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Front) | Credit: Dare Akogun

Recently, US President Donald Trump claimed there is a “mass slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria, warning that he had instructed the Pentagon to “prepare for possible action” and threatening to cut off all aid if the Nigerian government did not act.

In response, Nigeria’s authorities—including its Foreign Ministry and the Presidency—rejected the assertion, calling it based on “faulty data” and insisting that violence in the country “affects Christians and Muslims alike” rather than being motivated by religion.

Source: Punch