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Christian Genocide: CAN backs US senator, FG disagrees

Published

12 months ago

October 9, 2025

Trends Admin

US Senator Ted Cruz

Christian Genocide: CAN backs US senator, FG disagrees

The federal government has once again rejected “false and baseless” charges made by US Senator Ted Cruz, who accused Nigerian authorities of organizing a genocide against Christians and allowing the destruction of thousands of churches.

However, in a statement issued Wednesday by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Christian Association of Nigeria “affirms, without hesitation, that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship.”

“Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities,” CAN stated.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Cruz claimed that over 52,000 Christians have been slain in Nigeria since 2009, with over 20,000 churches and Christian institutions demolished.

He also announced the launch of the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act in the US Senate, which seeks sanctions against Nigerian officials who he alleges are complicit in religious persecution.

But in response to the charges on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, slammed the senator’s assertions as “misleading, exaggerated, and not reflective of reality.”

“The Nigerian government rejects that. This is certainly not true,” Idris said in a statement issued through his media aide.

“It’s false to claim that over 52,000 Christians have been killed or that 20,000 churches have been burned. Where did he get those numbers from? It’s absolutely absurd and unsupported by any credible evidence.”

Cruz, who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, stated that the alleged killings were “the result of decisions made by specific people, in specific places, at specific times,” and that the US “knows who those individuals are” and will “hold them accountable.”

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However, Idris categorically denied the suggestion that the Nigerian government is engaged in any religiously motivated killings.

“No Nigerian officials will willingly or deliberately side with violent extremists to target any religion. That is absolutely false,” he said.

Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, highlighting the country’s long history of diversity and harmony.

“Nigeria is a multi-faith country. We have Christians, Muslims, and even citizens who subscribe to neither. Nigeria is a very tolerant nation, and the government remains committed to protecting the rights of all,” he stated.

While conceding that violent extremism remains a national security threat, Idris emphasized that such violence has harmed both Christians and Muslims.

“It’s unfortunate that extremists have killed people of both faiths in areas where they operate. But it is wrong and misleading to claim there’s a deliberate plan to exterminate Christians. That is simply not true and very unfortunate,” he said.

He reassured Nigerians and the international community that security agencies will continue to combat terrorism and banditry in all forms without bias or discrimination.

However, CAN’s statement, titled “Christian Genocide—CAN Clarifies Position,” maintained that true killings are facing persecution, saying, “These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.”

The CAN president said, “Over the years, CAN and the wider Christian community have worked tirelessly to draw attention, both nationally and internationally, to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

“The association has established mechanisms for recording incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organizations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement. These sustained efforts demonstrate CAN’s consistent advocacy for justice, peace, and the protection of Christian communities under threat.”

The Christian body said its “concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial.”

“We, therefore, renew our call on government and security agencies to take urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law. The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.

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“CAN acknowledges the efforts of government and security agencies in responding to the nation’s security challenges but urges that these efforts be redoubled towards equitable protection for all. It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice. We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted.”

CAN said, “Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.”

However, at its plenary on Wednesday, the House of Representatives joined the Federal Government in condemning a proposed United States Senate bill designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”—a move that could result in sanctions against Nigerian officials under Executive Order 13818 (Global Magnitsky Act) and related authorities.

The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (S.2747), which was filed in the United States Senate on September 9, proposes to oblige the Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and to sanction officials suspected of participating in religious persecution.

In a motion of urgent national importance, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other co-sponsors noted that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom had recommended Nigeria for CPC designation in recent annual reports, citing alleged violations and failures to protect citizens from non-state actor abuse.

Speaking on the motion, Kalu claimed that Nigeria’s Constitution “guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and bars the adoption of any state religion.”

He also stated that successive governments, security agencies, and church leaders “continue to take measures to protect all worshippers and prosecute offenders,” as seen by US Department of State country reports.

“The House observes that insecurity in Nigeria is complex and multi-causal—driven by insurgency, criminal banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, separatist violence, and communal disputes—affecting citizens of all faiths,” Kalu said. “International reports attribute a significant share of fatalities to terrorist groups and criminal gangs rather than state policy or any single religious dynamic.”

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The lawmakers warned that “external legislative actions based on incomplete or decontextualized assessments risk undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, misrepresenting facts, straining strategic relations, and unintentionally emboldening violent actors.”

Given Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with the United States in counter-terrorism, human rights, and interfaith dialogue, the House “condemned the negative characterization” of the country and rejected what it called an attempt to “profile Nigeria unfairly.”

Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere described the move as part of a misinformation campaign “bent on demarketing Nigeria,” while Katsina lawmaker Sada Soli urged the Federal Government to “state strongly its disappointment at the deliberate attempt to dent the nation’s image.”

Edo legislator Billy Osawaru also stated that Nigeria must urgently improve its diplomatic presence, adding that “till now, Nigeria does not have an ambassador to the United States” and emphasizing that the country “cannot afford to fail the African continent.”

The House directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs, National Security and Intelligence, Interior, Information, National Orientation and Values, Police Affairs, Civil Society, and Human Rights to coordinate a formal diplomatic demarche to the sponsors of the US bill and relevant congressional committees within 21 days, transmitting empirical data and Nigeria’s official position.

It further encouraged the committees to work with the US mission in Nigeria and interested parliamentarians to establish a Nigeria-US joint fact-finding dialogue.

Furthermore, the House urged the creation of a mechanism for religious or belief freedom, with participation from faith leaders and independent experts, as well as the invitation of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to a briefing session to examine sources, methodology, and potential remedies.

The resolutions will be sent to the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the heads of security agencies, the leadership of the United States Congress (Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees), the Department of State, USCIRF, the African Union, and the ECOWAS Commission.

Christian Genocide: CAN backs US senator, FG disagrees

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Missing Robbery Suspect: Anambra CP Queries DPO, Orders Probe

Published

4 hours ago

October 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama

Missing Robbery Suspect: Anambra CP Queries DPO, Orders Probe

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered queries for the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of 3-3 Police Station, Onitsha, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) following allegations that an armed robbery suspect arrested and taken to the station could no longer be accounted for.

The commissioner also directed the immediate commencement of disciplinary proceedings against an Inspector of Police linked to the matter.

The action followed the circulation of a viral video alleging that the suspect, who had reportedly been arrested and brought to the police station, subsequently disappeared from custody.

Ama personally interviewed the complainant and officers connected to the incident before issuing the directives.

The commissioner described the allegation as serious, stressing that conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force would not be tolerated.

He said the command would take firm action against unprofessional conduct, dereliction of duty, abuse of office and violations of established police procedures.

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Following the interviews, Ama ordered the command’s X-Squad to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest, detention and documentation, as well as what happened after the suspect was taken into custody.

The investigation will also establish the roles played by the officers involved and determine whether any police personnel breached established procedures.

The commissioner further said operational measures had been put in place to facilitate the rearrest of the suspect, although the police have not publicly disclosed his current whereabouts.

Ama assured the public that the findings of the investigation would be communicated once the facts had been established.

He also warned against the circulation of unverified information that could prejudice the investigation, stressing the need for the matter to be handled based on established facts.

The commissioner reiterated his commitment to police accountability and professional conduct, saying officers entrusted with protecting members of the public must also be subject to scrutiny when allegations of misconduct arise.

The development has drawn attention to the procedures governing the arrest, detention and documentation of suspects in police custody, particularly the responsibility of officers to maintain accurate records and ensure that detainees remain properly accounted for.

For now, the exact circumstances surrounding the suspect’s alleged disappearance remain unclear. The ongoing X-Squad investigation is expected to determine how the suspect allegedly went missing and whether any police officer bears responsibility.

Missing Robbery Suspect: Anambra CP Queries DPO, Orders Probe

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Four NAF Engineers Died Days Before Foreign Course Deployment — Sources

Published

5 hours ago

October 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Four NAF Engineers Died Days Before Foreign Course Deployment — Sources

Four Nigerian Air Force (NAF) engineers killed in the Ondo aircraft crash had reportedly travelled to Abuja for documentation ahead of specialised foreign training courses.

The personnel were identified as Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Izibenikien SI and Sergeant Alafuka C.

According to information surrounding the tragedy, the four engineers had travelled to Abuja as part of preparations for their deployment abroad for professional courses. Their deaths came just days before they were expected to begin the specialised training.

The four were among the 25 people on board the NAF 931 ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers.

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission when it crashed in the riverine area of Ondo State. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately launched, but the Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that there were no survivors.

The tragedy claimed the lives of several military personnel, including Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, who was among the aircraft’s crew.

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Reports following the crash said Man-Ugwueje had recently been promoted and had married about two weeks before the tragedy.

Another victim, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, was also reportedly a relatively recent addition to the NAF and was said to have distinguished himself during his training.

The deaths have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian military, particularly because some of the personnel were reportedly preparing for further professional development when the tragedy occurred.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Nigerian Air Force has also appealed to the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.

For the four engineers, what was expected to be the beginning of an important phase in their military careers ended in tragedy, with their planned foreign training cut short by the fatal aircraft crash.

Four NAF Engineers Died Days Before Foreign Course Deployment — Sources

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UCH CMD: After Decades Without Muslim, Agunbiade Demands Fair Chance

Published

6 hours ago

October 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade

UCH CMD: After Decades Without Muslim, Agunbiade Demands Fair Chance

‘Let Merit, Not Religion, Decide Next Appointment’

IBADAN — A Muslim stakeholder, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, has called for a transparent and merit-driven process in the appointment of the next Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, saying a qualified Muslim candidate should be given a fair chance to lead the institution.

Agunbiade, in a statement on Monday, argued that the leadership history of the premier teaching hospital showed that Muslims had not occupied the position of Chief Medical Director for decades.

He said the situation deserved serious consideration as the process for selecting a successor to the incumbent CMD, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, gets underway.

According to him, Otegbayo, who became CMD in 2019, was reappointed for a second term in 2023.

Agunbiade said the succession of UCH chief executives had included Prof. E. O. Akande (1978–1984), Prof. A. O. K. Johnson (1984–1985), Prof. B. O. Osuntokun (1986–1990), Prof. O. O. Ajayi (1990–1998), Prof. M. O. Olatawura (1998–2003), Prof. A. O. Ilesanmi (2003–2011), Prof. T. O. Alonge (2011–2019) and Otegbayo.

He stressed that his intervention was not intended to question the professional records or achievements of the past CMDs.

Rather, he said, the issue was whether a qualified Muslim professional should continue to be excluded from the highest executive position at the institution.

“How long should a qualified section of the institution’s community wait before it sees one of its own given a genuine opportunity to lead?”

Agunbiade said the question was particularly important because UCH was a federal teaching hospital with a national mandate, serving Nigerians irrespective of religion, ethnicity or background.

‘Not Asking For Religious Favour’

The stakeholder rejected the suggestion that his position amounted to a demand for religious preference.

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He said his argument was that merit and representation should work together, rather than treating them as opposing principles.

“The demand, therefore, is not that UCH should appoint a Muslim because he is Muslim,” he said.

“The demand is that if a Muslim candidate is professionally qualified, experienced, competent and suitable, his religion must not become an invisible barrier to his appointment.”

He noted that the advertised position carried stringent requirements, including medical registration, post-qualification experience, specialist fellowship, consultancy experience, integrity and administrative competence.

According to him, once a candidate meets the professional requirements and emerges as the best person through a credible selection process, religion should not disqualify the candidate.

‘Muslim CMD Will Serve All Nigerians’

Agunbiade also dismissed the notion that appointing a Muslim as CMD would change the character of UCH.

He said the successful candidate would remain the head of a federal institution responsible for providing healthcare to Nigerians of all faiths.

“A Muslim CMD will not turn UCH into a Muslim hospital. He will remain the Chief Medical Director of a federal institution serving every Nigerian who walks through its doors,” he said.

He argued that religious identity should not be an obstacle to professional service.

“Just as a Christian CMD can serve Muslim patients without difficulty, a Muslim CMD can serve Christian patients with the same professionalism,” he added.

‘Let Credentials Decide’

Agunbiade urged the authorities to ensure that all qualified candidates are subjected to the same standards during the selection process.

He called for candidates’ academic and professional credentials, experience, integrity, administrative competence and vision to be carefully assessed.

“Let every qualified candidate compete. Let credentials be examined. Let professional experience be assessed. Let integrity and vision determine the outcome,” he said.

He also referred to wider concerns about religious representation in the leadership of institutions linked to UCH and the University of Ibadan, saying the issue had generated concerns among Muslim stakeholders.

He, however, warned against turning the matter into a religious confrontation.

“This is not a call for religious confrontation. It is not an attack on Christians. It is not a rejection of merit. It is a call for inclusion within merit,” he said.

Agunbiade maintained that if a Muslim candidate emerged as the strongest candidate through a transparent and credible process, his faith should not count against him.

He said giving a qualified Muslim a genuine opportunity after decades without a Muslim CMD would send a powerful message about inclusion and equal opportunity in Nigeria’s public institutions.

According to him, UCH belongs to all Nigerians, and its leadership selection should reflect that principle.