Opposition Spreading Claims of Christian Killings in Nigeria, Alleges Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused opposition figures of fueling claims that Christians are being deliberately killed in Nigeria.
His comments come amid a growing international debate following U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that the Nigerian government is failing to protect Christians from persecution.
Speaking in reaction to the controversy, Wike reportedly described the narrative of “Christian genocide” as a politically motivated campaign designed to discredit the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He argued that the claims are being amplified by opposition groups and their allies abroad to portray Nigeria in a negative light before the global community.
Wike maintained that while insecurity remains a national challenge, the ongoing violence across various regions should not be mischaracterised as religious persecution.
According to him, the country’s security situation affects people of all faiths and backgrounds, and portraying it as a one-sided religious war is misleading.
His position reflects the wider stance of the Nigerian government, which has rejected Trump’s recent comments threatening possible U.S. military action over alleged killings of Christians. The government insists that such claims are exaggerated and fail to capture the complex causes of insecurity in the country, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.
Observers note that Wike’s statement is part of a broader effort by the administration to push back against what it sees as attempts to politicise Nigeria’s security crisis. The government has repeatedly urged citizens and international partners to avoid spreading unverified reports that could inflame religious or ethnic tensions.
However, critics argue that dismissing the reports outright risks undermining the suffering of victims in affected areas, many of whom have indeed faced attacks in regions dominated by Christian populations.
Human rights groups have called for an impartial investigation into all cases of violence, regardless of religious identity, to ensure accountability and truth.
Wike’s remarks have reignited discussions on the intersection of politics, religion, and security in Nigeria — and how external perceptions can shape internal debates.
As the controversy grows, both government and opposition figures continue to trade blames, while citizens call for lasting solutions to the country’s deepening insecurity.
