Claims of Christian Killings in Nigeria Are Gross Exaggeration — Onanuga Counters U.S. Allegation
Onanuga Refutes Rubio’s Statement on ‘Christian Slaughter’
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has debunked claims suggesting that thousands of Christians are being massacred in Nigeria, describing the allegations as a “gross exaggeration” of the security situation in the country.
Onanuga made the clarification on Saturday in response to a statement by the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who had alleged that radical Islamists and Fulani militias were responsible for the “ongoing slaughter of thousands of Christians” in Nigeria.
Rubio’s remarks followed the U.S. government’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom.
Background to the U.S. Allegation
As Akahi News gathered, Rubio posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the United States was ready to act, calling the reported killings “tragic and unacceptable.” His statement came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly reiterated similar claims, labelling the situation in Nigeria as a “genocide against believers.”
However, Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected such descriptions, arguing that insecurity in the country is complex and not religiously motivated.
“There’s No Ongoing Christian Slaughter” — Onanuga
Responding directly to Rubio, Onanuga wrote on his X handle:
“Dear Secretary Rubio, there is no ongoing slaughter of thousands of Christians in Nigeria. This is a gross exaggeration of the Nigerian situation. What we do have are sporadic attacks on some villages by bandits and terrorists, and the attacks are religiously insensitive. Christians, Muslims, churches, and mosques are attacked randomly.”
The presidential aide maintained that insecurity in Nigeria stems from criminality, terrorism, and banditry, not religious persecution. He emphasised that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of attacks across several regions.
Onanuga further urged the U.S. government to support Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts rather than categorise the nation under religious suspicion.
“What our country requires from America is military support to fight these violent extremists in some states of our country, not designation as a nation of particular concern,” he added.
In a follow-up post, Onanuga stressed, “Secretary Rubio, Muslim lives matter too,” underscoring that violence in Nigeria affects citizens irrespective of faith.
Nigerian Government Rejects U.S. Designation
Akahi News learnt that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier condemned the CPC designation, describing it as “misleading, unfair, and unreflective of the reality on ground.”
According to the ministry, insecurity in Nigeria is driven primarily by socio-economic factors, criminal opportunism, and the activities of armed non-state actors — not religious persecution.
The government reiterated its commitment to promoting freedom of worship and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith.
“The Nigerian government remains committed to upholding the constitutional rights of every citizen to practise their religion without fear or discrimination,” an official statement read.
Broader Implications and Reactions
Observers have noted that the U.S. designation could strain bilateral relations, particularly in areas of military cooperation and international perception. Analysts believe such labels, if left unchallenged, may influence Nigeria’s image in global religious freedom indexes and deter foreign investment.
Meanwhile, some advocacy groups have urged the Nigerian government to improve its data transparency on conflict casualties and strengthen community peace initiatives to prevent future misinterpretations by foreign agencies.
While Onanuga’s rebuttal aims to correct what he calls an “exaggerated” narrative, the debate underscores the persistent international scrutiny Nigeria faces over its security and religious harmony. As the country continues to battle insurgency and banditry, the government insists that solutions lie in strengthened intelligence, cooperation, and global support — not in divisive labelling.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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