Nigeria Genocide Not State-sponsored — Bishops

A coalition of bishops from various Christian denominations yesterday gathered in Abuja to refute claims of a state-sponsored Christian genocide in Nigeria, saying however that certain individuals were sponsoring it.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the North West Peace Summit and Humanitarian Award scheduled for December 17 and 18, Bishop Timothy Cheren who led the delegation,  dismissed claims of state-sponsorship.

“There is no state-sponsored Christian genocide in the country. But we believe there are elements who are sponsoring this,” Cheren stated.

He noted that while Nigeria had faced complex security challenges capable of threatening national unity, both government and citizens possess the ability to resolve these issues if they approach them with sincerity and collective commitment.

Cheren cautioned some religious leaders against promoting doctrines that incite violence, particularly among the youth, stressing that such actions undermine national peace.

“We encourage the government not to spare anyone involved in such acts by bringing them to book,” he added.

He also commended the appointment of Gen. C.G. Musa as Minister of Defence, describing it as a step in the right direction toward restoring stability and permanently addressing insecurity.

The bishop urged the federal government to treat recent U.S. warnings on insecurity as constructive support from a strategic ally, while maintaining Nigeria’s sovereignty and resisting foreign interference.

“No one can solve our problems more than ourselves with sincerity and true commitment irrespective of religion, tribe or creed, as terrorists spare no one,” he said.