Trump’s Genocide Claim Baseless, Says Sheikh Gumi
Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has dismissed as unfounded the recent claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging that genocide is taking place in Nigeria.
Gumi, in a statement on Sunday, faulted Trump’s remarks and his threat of possible military action over alleged persecution of Christians, describing the assertion as “baseless and lacking verified evidence.”
According to the Kaduna-based cleric, such a serious accusation should not be made without thorough investigation and factual confirmation.
“My comment on Trump’s allegations yes, I call them allegations because he himself is asking Congress to investigate what he calls genocide. That means he is not even certain before making such a serious accusation,” Gumi said.
He cautioned against using sensitive religious narratives to inflame divisions or justify external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, stressing that the country’s insecurity challenges cut across ethnic and religious lines.
“Nigeria’s problems are not about Christians versus Muslims. Banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes have affected everyone, regardless of faith or tribe. What we need is international cooperation in intelligence, technology, and peace-building not threats,” he added.
Gumi urged the United States and other global partners to engage constructively with Nigeria by supporting counterterrorism efforts, economic development, and conflict resolution initiatives rather than issuing provocative statements.
He maintained that misrepresenting Nigeria’s complex security situation as a genocide against Christians risks worsening existing tensions and undermines genuine peace efforts.
Trump had recently accused the Nigerian government of committing genocide against Christians and hinted that the U.S. might consider sanctions or military intervention a claim that has sparked widespread criticism from Nigerian leaders and religious figures.
