Senate Dismisses ‘Christian Genocide’ Claim, Calls for Stronger National Security Measures
The Senate has dismissed foreign claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, calling them false and divisive.
Lawmakers said insecurity stems from terrorism and crime, not religious persecution.
The Nigerian Senate has rejected claims of a “Christian genocide” in the country, describing them as false, divisive, and harmful to national unity.
The claims were made by United States Senator Ted Cruz and television host Bill Maher, who alleged that Christians were being systematically killed in Nigeria. Lawmakers, during Thursday’s plenary, said such statements were misleading and failed to reflect the true nature of the country’s security challenges.
The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported Christian Genocide Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,” was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa, Magatakarda Wamakko, Ibrahim Bomai, and Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, among others.
Senator Wamakko, while supporting the motion, said the allegations amounted to “misinformation aimed at destroying our nation,” urging the National Assembly to take firm steps to address the narrative.
Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South) warned that such claims could damage Nigeria’s global image and increase religious tension. He said no part of the country supports terrorism, stressing that the government continues to take measures to protect all citizens.
“It is very common knowledge that nobody is supporting any act of terrorism in Nigeria. The government is doing its best to make sure everyone lives in peace,” Kawu stated. He added that if the US Congress adopted such a bill, it could worsen relations between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) called for a review of Nigeria’s security strategy, urging lawmakers to help develop a more effective counter-terrorism framework. “We must now engage the government on counter-terrorism measures and redefine our approach,” he said.
The controversy began after Senator Cruz, in a podcast with Bill Maher, claimed that Christians were being “systematically targeted and killed” in Nigeria. Political commentator Van Jones also accused the government of failing to protect Christian communities.
The Federal Government, however, dismissed the claims, explaining that Nigeria’s insecurity results from terrorism, banditry, and other criminal acts rather than religious persecution.
The Senate’s resolution signaled support for closer collaboration with the executive arm to strengthen counter-terrorism operations and correct what it called a “distorted foreign narrative” about the country.
Further debate on the matter has been scheduled for next Tuesday.
