Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has dismissed growing claims of a targeted genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
ThemomentNG reports that his remarks follow rising international scrutiny, including claims by foreign groups alleging mass targeting of Christians – a narrative the Federal Government and several key stakeholders have repeatedly disputed.
In a post on his Facebook page on Sunday, Gumi insisted that violent clashes in parts of the country involve casualties on both sides.
The cleric argued that the insecurity narrative has been distorted to portray Fulani herders as the sole aggressors, whereas the communal clashes are driven by attack-and-counterattack cycles.
“The Christians at fault-line communities in conflict with herdsmen also attack and counterattack. They kill and they are also killed,” he wrote.
Gumi added that his recent travels across different parts of the country did not reflect any pattern of targeted killings against Christians.
“I was in Kano, Lagos and Ibadan in the last two days. Christians are going about their business. They are in power, economy and security outfits,” he said.
The cleric also condemned calls for international military intervention, warning that such moves could worsen insecurity and embolden criminal groups.
“The only option left is to use our national resources equitably to educate, develop and protect all Nigerians, herdsmen included,” he said.
