By Charles Maduka
The Federal Government has rejected allegations by United States Senator Ted Cruz accusing Nigerian authorities of orchestrating a genocide against Christians and allowing the destruction of thousands of churches.
Responding to the claim, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris dismissed it as false and baseless, describing the figures quoted by Cruz as exaggerated and unsupported. He said Nigeria remains a multi-faith country where government protects the rights of all citizens regardless of religion.
However, the Christian Association of Nigeria, through its President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, affirmed that Christian communities, especially in northern Nigeria, have suffered severe attacks and the destruction of worship centres. The association called for courage and sincerity in addressing the nation’s security and religious challenges rather than denial or blame.
CAN also restated its appeal to government and security agencies to act decisively to protect lives and ensure justice for victims of religious violence. It emphasised that Nigeria’s healing depends on unity, mutual trust, and fair protection for all citizens.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives backed the Federal Government in condemning the US senator’s proposed legislation that seeks to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” Lawmakers described the move as misleading and harmful to Nigeria’s sovereignty, urging stronger diplomatic engagement to correct false narratives about the country.
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