So I am seeing genocide when probably group of people like maybe the majority of Muslims in this country, are trying to target Christians, making sure that Christians do not rear their heads. That is not true. But whether there are killings? Yes. I admit there are killings.”

 

A senior figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouk Aliyu, has dismissed claims that Muslim militias are deliberately targeting Christians for violence in Nigeria, insisting that such narratives do not reflect the reality on the ground. According to him, no rational or organized Muslim group would intentionally set out to attack or kill Christians because of their faith.

Aliyu made this assertion on Monday during an appearance on The Morning Show, a current affairs programme aired on ARISE Television. While speaking on the persistent insecurity challenges facing the country, he emphasized that the violence experienced in many parts of Nigeria should not be framed as a religious war.

He explained that available evidence shows Muslims have also been victims of the same violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings often attributed to bandits and criminal gangs. In his view, these acts are driven by criminality and extremism rather than religious ideology.

To support his argument, the APC chieftain referenced the killing of a well-known Muslim cleric in Kano State, who was reportedly murdered by suspected bandits believed to be Muslims themselves. He noted that such incidents clearly demonstrate that the perpetrators do not discriminate based on religion, but rather attack vulnerable communities for selfish and violent reasons.

Aliyu further clarified his position on the use of the term “genocide,” stating that it implies a coordinated and deliberate attempt by one group to systematically eliminate another. According to him, there is no credible evidence to suggest that the Muslim population or any organized Muslim militia in Nigeria is pursuing an agenda to suppress or eliminate Christians.

“What would amount to genocide,” he explained, “is a situation where the majority deliberately targets a minority to ensure they are silenced or wiped out. That is simply not what is happening.” However, he acknowledged that killings and violence remain a serious problem across the country and should not be denied or downplayed.

In conclusion, Aliyu urged Nigerians to avoid framing the security crisis in religious terms, warning that such narratives could further deepen divisions. Instead, he called for a united approach to addressing criminality and insecurity, stressing that both Christians and Muslims are victims of the same violent forces threatening national stability.