Prominent Islamic scholars from across Northern Nigeria have strongly dismissed recent claims alleging that a genocide is being carried out against Christians in the country. The religious leaders, under the umbrella of the Northern Ulamas Forum, described such allegations as unfounded, divisive, and dangerous to national harmony.
Speaking at the end of a one-day Northern Muslim Scholars Summit held in Kaduna, the clerics clarified that Nigeria’s security crisis is not driven by religion but rather by criminality, terrorism, and governance failures.
In a joint communiqué released after the meeting and signed by key Islamic figures—Sheikh (Prof.) Khalid Abubakar Aliyu of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Nasir Kabara of the Qadiriyya Movement, Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, and Barrister Hajara Jibril of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN)—the leaders condemned the genocide narrative being circulated by certain groups and individuals.
“Nigeria’s insecurity stems from criminality and bad governance, not religion. Framing it as genocide against one faith distorts reality and threatens our collective peace,”
—the communiqué stated.
The scholars emphasized that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of the violence plaguing different regions of the country, including killings, kidnappings, and forced displacements caused by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.
“Such misleading claims fuel hatred and weaken the unity we desperately need. They only serve those who thrive on division and conflict,”
the Ulamas cautioned.
Warning to International Partners
The forum also appealed to international organisations, foreign media, and advocacy groups to verify facts from credible Nigerian sources before making public statements. They warned that portraying Nigeria as a nation at war along religious lines could exacerbate tension and mistrust among citizens.
“We urge our international partners to seek the truth from reliable local bodies before issuing statements that may further divide our people,”
the communiqué added.
Solidarity with the Oppressed
While denouncing all acts of violence and injustice within Nigeria, the scholars expressed solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide, particularly the people of Palestine.
“What is happening in Gaza represents true genocide and ethnic cleansing. The world must act decisively to end the ongoing injustice against Palestinians,”
the forum declared.
Call for Government Action
The Northern Ulamas Forum called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social injustice. They also urged leaders at all levels to embrace equity, fairness, and accountability to promote lasting peace.
“The government must confront the underlying causes of insecurity and rebuild trust among Nigeria’s diverse communities. Only justice and fairness can guarantee peace,”
the statement concluded.
Background
The statement comes amid renewed discussions in some Western policy circles and Christian advocacy groups accusing the Nigerian government of ignoring targeted attacks against Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt and Northwest.
However, the Northern Islamic scholars maintained that such narratives oversimplify Nigeria’s complex challenges, ignoring the fact that both faith communities have suffered from the ongoing violence.
The Kaduna summit brought together representatives of major Islamic organisations, including Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), JIBWIS, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), the Qadiriyya and Tijjaniyya movements, as well as women and youth groups committed to strengthening unity and peace in the nation.
