The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) Wednesday rejected recent claims suggesting that Christians in Nigeria are facing genocide, describing such allegations as misleading and harmful to national unity.
In a statement by its chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, the group said the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria cannot be reduced to a matter of religious persecution, adding that the crisis is a complex mix of political, ethnic and economic factors.
Sulaiman expressed concern over what he termed an alarming surge in rhetoric portraying Nigeria as a country engaged in systematic extermination of Christians.
He stated that such narratives distort reality and risk further deepening divisions in the country.
"We wish to clarify that the situation in Nigeria is not a straightforward case of religious persecution but rather a multifaceted crisis characterised by political, ethnic and economic dimensions.
"In recent months, there has been an alarming surge in rhetoric suggesting that Christians in Nigeria are facing systematic extermination. Such assertions, while emotionally charged, lack a comprehensive understanding of the prevailing circumstances.
"The ongoing violence in Nigeria has predominantly affected various communities, including Muslims and Christians alike, with extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP targeting individuals based on their religious affiliations indiscriminately.
"The timeline of attacks on Muslim worshippers from 2013 to 2025 starkly illustrates this point, highlighting that violence is not confined to any single religious group.
"As we reflect on these harrowing incidents, it is crucial to recognise that the narrative of genocide serves to deepen divisions within our society rather than foster unity in the face of shared challenges. The Northern ov Awareness Network urges all stakeholders, including international partners, to approach the situation with an understanding of its complexities.
"In the light of these concerns, we wish to caution President Donald Trump against hasty military interventions in Nigeria. Such actions could exacerbate the already fragile state of our democracy, risking further destabilisation in a country that is striving towards political maturity and social cohesion.
"We urge President Trump to redirect his attention towards safeguarding democracy in Nigeria by imposing sanctions on conspirators, including visa bans that would hold anti democratic elements in the country accountable for their actions.
"Such measures would send a clear message that the international community stands firm against the erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law," he stated.