Prominent Lagos cleric, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, has rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria, describing the assertion as “false and misleading.”
Speaking in response to Trump’s recent remarks alleging a “Christian genocide” in the country, Adefarasin clarified that Nigeria’s wave of violence is rooted in governance failure and economic disparity, not religion.
“There is no genocide of Christians in Nigeria,” Adefarasin said firmly, according to The Gazette. “What we are witnessing are violent killings driven by insecurity, banditry, and poverty. The narrative of religious extermination is not accurate.”
Trump, in a recent public statement, had accused the Nigerian government of allowing large-scale killings of Christians, a claim that sparked international debate and concern.
But Adefarasin cautioned that such rhetoric could “further divide a fragile nation,” urging foreign leaders to “verify their facts before making sweeping declarations.”
“The church continues to pray for peace, but it must be clear that our problem is bad governance, not faith differences,” he added.
The pastor’s remarks come amid heightened diplomatic tension following Washington’s decision to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom — a move the Nigerian government has already condemned.
Adefarasin called for unity and practical action instead of fearmongering. “Our focus should be on fixing leadership and ensuring security for every Nigerian, regardless of faith,” he concluded.
