Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has again dismissed claims of an ongoing “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, arguing that the violence in conflict areas involves attacks and counterattacks where “Christians also kill herdsmen” and both sides suffer casualties.
Gumi made the remarks in a Facebook post on Sunday, arguing that the narrative portraying Fulani herdsmen as sole aggressors does not reflect the full picture of the conflict.
According to him, communities involved in recurring clashes “attack and counterattack,” resulting in losses for both herders and residents.
“The Christians at fault-line communities in conflict with herdsmen also attack and counterattack. They kill and they are also killed,” he wrote.
He claimed he had travelled through several parts of the country in recent days and did not witness any targeted violence against Christians.
“There is no Christian genocide anywhere in Nigeria. 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 added.
Gumi warned against calls for foreign military intervention, saying such action could worsen the situation and embolden armed groups.
“The only option left is to use our national resources equitably to educate, develop and protect all Nigerians, herdsmen included,” he said, emphasising the need for local solutions to insecurity.
His comments come amid heightened concerns over attacks in parts of the North, where dozens of students have been abducted in recent incidents in Kebbi and Niger states.
