By Femi Fani-Kayode
I recently paid close attention to the statements made by @billmaher and @CNN’s @VanJones68, both of whom have accused Nigeria of perpetrating a “Christian genocide.” Their remarks prompted me to reflect deeply on the implications.
If you are Nigerian and these allegations neither alarm nor concern you, then, borrowing from @realDonaldTrump’s phrase, you might not be thinking clearly.
When these accusations are combined with the recent comments from @SenTedCruz-one of Israel’s staunchest defenders and a prominent advocate of ‘Christian Zionism‘ in the U.S. Senate-who has also condemned Nigeria for the same and announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at “addressing the issue” and “protecting Nigerian Christians,” the gravity of the situation becomes unmistakably clear. This reveals a disturbing agenda orchestrated by those behind these narratives.
Adding to this is the recent resolution passed by the Canadian Parliament, which labeled Nigeria as one of the most perilous countries globally for Christians, highlighting the daily targeting and killing of Christians nationwide.
Critical Questions
The foremost question is: since when have Western powers, particularly the Americans, genuinely cared about anyone other than themselves, least of all Nigerian Christians? Why has this sudden outcry emerged, and why is similar rhetoric now emanating from Western capitals like Ottawa?
It is crucial for Nigerian leaders and citizens alike to fully comprehend the true motives behind these developments. More importantly, we must act swiftly to counter this spreading narrative, which is gaining traction worldwide.
The reality is that the U.S., its allies, and their local collaborators are deliberately laying the groundwork for a sectarian conflict within Nigeria, aiming to pit us against one another.
Who Are the Real Targets?
Undeniably, Christians have suffered immensely at the hands of Islamist militants such as Boko Haram and ISWAP over the past 14 years. However, it is equally true that countless Muslims have also fallen victim to these same terrorists during this period.
Two critical points must be understood:
- These terrorist groups, responsible for the widespread bloodshed of both Christians and Muslims, were initially established, armed, funded, and shielded by the very Western and Israeli powers now feigning outrage.
- These same powers obstructed Nigeria’s efforts to procure arms to defend itself, even refusing to designate Boko Haram as a terrorist organization until it suited their geopolitical interests.
The current focus on Nigeria as a site of “Christian genocide” is less about genuine concern and more about diverting global attention away from the crisis in Gaza.
A Punishment for Standing Up
Moreover, this sudden hostility is a form of retribution for Nigeria’s courageous stance at the United Nations against the Israeli-led atrocities in Gaza, which these Western nations support and finance.
Our Vice President’s bold condemnation of the Gaza genocide and call for a two-state solution marked a proud and defining moment for Nigeria. Unlike many others, we refused to remain silent or neutral, and now we are paying the price.
This explains the surge in subversive rhetoric and malicious campaigns against Nigeria. It is vital not to be deceived into believing these actors genuinely care about Nigerian Christians.
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with international assistance in combating terrorism or expressions of concern. Such support would be welcomed.
What is unacceptable is the misleading narrative that only Christians are being targeted. Why is the issue framed this way? If Christian lives matter, do Muslim lives not matter equally? If the focus were on all victims of terrorism, the concern would be more credible.
However, portraying the conflict as exclusively Christian persecution risks inciting global Christian communities to intervene under the guise of defending Nigerian Christians. This dangerous distortion threatens to deepen divisions, fuel violence, and escalate ethnic and religious tensions, potentially plunging Nigeria into unprecedented chaos and civil strife.
The Peril of Divisive Narratives
This newly adopted Western rhetoric is perilous. Nigerians must unite, celebrate our religious diversity, and reject attempts to fracture our nation with falsehoods that could push us toward disaster.
If a Christian genocide were truly occurring, I would be the first to denounce and combat it, as my faith is central to my identity.
However, the reality is that Nigeria faces a genocide targeting all its citizens-Christian and Muslim alike-perpetrated by barbaric, ISIS-inspired terrorists who revel in slaughtering innocents regardless of faith.
These terrorists do not represent Islam; they embody pure evil. In other countries facing similar threats, Muslims and Christians have united against such forces. Nigeria must follow this example and resist any attempts by foreign powers to sow discord among us.
We cannot defeat terrorism by turning on each other.
While we acknowledge the concern of international observers, we reject their divisive and false narratives.
Personal Witness
Years ago, I too mistakenly believed that only Christians were targeted by terrorists in Nigeria. This changed in 2020 when I toured the North West and North East regions and witnessed firsthand the devastation inflicted upon Muslim communities.
The destruction I saw in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, and other predominantly Muslim areas was staggering. It became clear that the violence was not confined to Christians but was an assault on all Nigerians.
The same holds true in the Middle Belt, where both Christian and Muslim communities suffer equally. For instance, states like Niger, Kwara, Nassarawa, and Kogi, with majority Muslim populations, have been attacked as frequently as Christian-majority states such as Benue, Plateau, and Taraba.
Since recognizing this, I have vowed to speak out against atrocities committed against all Nigerians, regardless of faith. To do otherwise would be intellectually dishonest and exacerbate the crisis.
Accepting that we are all victims of the same ruthless enemies is essential for our collective survival.
We must reject the fabricated narrative that only Christians are being killed. As Christians, we are called to be our brother’s keeper, and as human beings, we should feel equal sorrow and indignation when innocent Christian or Muslim lives are taken.
Indiscriminate Violence
When terrorists unleash their bombs, wield machetes, fire RPGs, or shoot AK-47s, they do not inquire about their victims’ religion. The idea that they discriminate based on faith is both absurd and malicious.
These killers care only about destruction and death.
May God guide us, grant us peace, and protect the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Fani-Kayode is a former Minister of Culture and former Minister of Aviation.