Nigeria Christians: First Lady Denies Genocide Amid Rising Violence | CBN News
WASHINGTON — Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, a Pentecostal pastor, has publicly disputed assertions that Christians in her country are victims of genocide, even as reports of targeted violence continue to emerge. In an exclusive interview with CBN News, Tinubu repeatedly stated her belief that the violence is not systematic extermination, but rather a consequence of regional conflicts, poverty, terrorism, and political instability as Nigeria approaches its 2027 election cycle.
“I don’t think so,” Tinubu responded when asked directly whether genocide is occurring. She argued that framing the violence as “Christian genocide” could inadvertently exacerbate the situation, potentially inciting further attacks by terrorist groups. “When you have terrorists and people kidnapping for money, and when the world is throwing in a narrative that is Christian genocide, {terrorists} will have hit on that and commence to attack churches,” she said.
Tinubu’s comments reflect the complex religious and regional divisions within Nigeria, a nation largely split between a Muslim-majority north and a predominantly Christian south. Even as acknowledging the severity of the violence, she emphasized the need to understand its multifaceted roots. Critics, however, contend that Christians are disproportionately targeted, facing not only killings but likewise kidnappings for ransom, loss of property, and forced marriages.
According to Open Doors’ World Watch List, Nigeria accounts for more than 70 percent of Christians killed worldwide in recent years. The organization’s reporting details a surge in persecution, with Christians facing increasing threats to their lives and livelihoods.
The First Lady herself has experienced threats related to her faith. She recounted an incident where a Muslim cleric publicly called for her to be stoned, highlighting the religious tensions that persist within the country. Tinubu noted that support in response to the cleric’s statement largely came from individuals in the north, suggesting a more nuanced religious landscape than often portrayed.
Despite rejecting the label of genocide, Tinubu welcomed recent U.S. Military intervention, specifically praising former President Trump for the Christmas Day missile strikes targeting Islamist militants in northwest Nigeria. “We thank President Trump for what he did for us,” she told CBN News, adding that it was “the first Christmas that no one was attacked.”
The Tinubu administration has since authorized expanded joint military operations, increased intelligence sharing with the United States, and announced plans to recruit an additional 20,000 police and security personnel to combat terrorism. These measures follow years of deadly violence that have claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
During a visit to Washington D.C. In early February, Tinubu engaged in a diplomatic effort to strengthen U.S.-Nigeria relations and promote trade. President Trump publicly acknowledged her at the National Prayer Breakfast, describing her as “very respected” and praising her dual role as a national leader and Christian pastor.
Tinubu often points to her nearly 40-year interfaith marriage as an example of peaceful coexistence. “If I’m going to enjoy my marriage, Jesus has to arrive in and give me that peace,” she said, describing her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a “excellent man.” She has framed her mission as rebuilding “the broken walls” of her country through initiatives focused on youth engagement, education, and women’s health.
However, the ongoing violence in Nigeria continues to fuel skepticism about the government’s ability to effectively address the crisis. Despite the recent steps taken, many families remain displaced and grieving, questioning whether the administration can stem the bloodshed and convince both its citizens and the international community of its commitment to combating terrorism and religious violence.