The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has rejected allegations that Christians are being deliberately attacked or killed in Nigeria.
Speaking on Saturday at an event in Erin-Ile, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Fagbemi maintained that no religious group in the country was facing persecution.
“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. There is no persecution of any religion, sect or ethnic nationality,” he said.
He explained that violent incidents were not confined to any single faith or group, pointing out that states like Zamfara and Sokoto—both predominantly Muslim—had also witnessed repeated killings and banditry.
“Killings are happening in Zamfara, Sokoto and other Muslim-dominated areas. That is not to say the situation is okay, but it shows clearly that violence is not targeted at any religion,” he stated.
While acknowledging the ongoing security challenges, Fagbemi insisted that the Federal Government was “winning the war against terrorism” and stepping up efforts to tackle killings, banditry, and other criminal activities across the nation.
“We should reject any insinuation that there is a Christian genocide in the country. The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that killings and banditry are nipped in the bud,” he added.
Fagbemi also appealed for patience from Nigerians, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms were aimed at laying a stronger foundation for national progress.
“We all know the present situation is not rosy, but there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
His remarks followed accusations by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who alleged that Nigerian authorities were enabling genocide against Christians and permitting the destruction of thousands of churches.
Similarly, Trump recently directed the Pentagon to consider a potential plan of action concerning Nigeria, after warning that Christianity faced an “existential threat” in the country. The Federal Government has rejected these claims.
Fagbemi Commends New Elerin
During the event, Fagbemi also applauded the selection of the new Elerin, expressing confidence that the monarch’s leadership would positively impact the Erin-Ile community. He encouraged residents to support the king in advancing the town’s development.
Representing the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Bata, reaffirmed the vital role of traditional institutions in effective governance.
In his address, Oba Jimoh Adesoye pledged to prioritize the growth of Erin-Ile, emphasizing that the youth—who make up roughly 65 percent of the productive population—would play a central role in initiatives related to agriculture, healthcare, food security, and safety.
The ceremony concluded with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, presenting the beaded crown to the new monarch.