Lawmakers led by the Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, have rejected United States claims of Christian persecution, insisting that Nigeria’s insecurity transcends religion and affects all citizens.

The federal legislators countered what they described as a “dangerous and misleading” narrative portraying Nigeria as a country where genocide is being perpetrated against Christians.

The Senate’s response followed a motion sponsored by Ndume and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), and Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), titled ‘Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ narrative in Nigeria and the international communities’.

The sponsors warned that such narratives, if left unchallenged could deepen sectarian divisions, distort international perceptions, and undermine Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and internal unity.

In the motion, Ndume noted that while Christian communities have indeed suffered tragic and unacceptable attacks in some parts of the country, Nigerians of all faiths have been victims of the widespread insecurity caused by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.

According to him, the mischaracterisation of these complex security challenges as a religious war does not reflect the reality on the ground, stressing that both Muslims and Christians have suffered significant casualties in different parts of the country.

“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation whose unity and stability depend on mutual understanding, responsible communication, and accurate representation of facts,” he said.

Christian genocide: Insecurity affects all Nigerians – Senate counters US