Timothy Cheren, bishop of the Lord’s House Worship Centre, Makurdi, has refuted claims that Christians in Nigeria are facing a state-sponsored genocide.
Cheren spoke in Abuja on Friday ahead of the north-west peace summit and humanitarian awards billed for December 17 and 18.
He was reacting to recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and alleged genocidal attacks on Christians.
Cheren said the claims were unfounded and not supported by any evidence pointing to government-backed persecution.
Advertisement
“There is no state-sponsored Christian genocide in the country. However, we believe there are elements who may be fueling violence,” DailyTrust quoted him as saying.
Cheren said Nigeria is grappling with serious but complex security challenges, including terrorism and banditry, which affect citizens across religious and regional lines.
He said framing the crisis as a government-driven attack on Christians only deepens division and distracts from solutions.
Advertisement
Cheren commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to restore security and called on Nigerians to support ongoing campaigns aimed at dismantling violent groups.
“The presence of peace does not mean the absence of justice. The government must ensure anyone involved in incitement is brought to book,” he said.
The cleric welcomed the appointment of Christopher Musa as minister of defence, describing it as a timely move to strengthen national security.
Cheren added that warnings from the US should not be dismissed but rather embraced as an opportunity for deeper cooperation in combating terrorism.
Advertisement
The bishop also praised Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, calling him a “harbinger of unity” whose leadership continues to promote coexistence.
He said the forthcoming north-west peace summit in Kaduna, which the sultan will chair, will complement ongoing efforts by government and stakeholders to secure lasting peace in the north-west and across sub-Saharan Africa.
