The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has condemned the recent decision by the United States to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Great Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.
Engineer Hassan Abdul Rahman, Secretary of the Council in Kaduna State, said the move by the Donald Trump administration reflects a “one-sided narrative” that ignores the complex realities driving violence across Nigeria.
“The Council is not happy with this development on allegations regarding Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Abdul Rahman said in a statement issued in Kaduna.
“The Trump administration should have sought a balanced perspective on the situation before jumping to conclusions.”
He stressed that the nation’s insecurity stems from “a complex web of ethnic, political, and economic challenges,” not a targeted campaign against Christians.
“By statistics, it’s clear that Muslims are mostly the victims in various instances,” he said.
“Attributing these tensions solely to religious motivations oversimplifies the realities on the ground and undermines efforts toward national unity and peace.”
Abdul Rahman accused Western powers of selective empathy, noting that global attention only intensifies when Christians are affected, while the suffering of Muslims worldwide is often ignored.
“Wherever Muslims are killed, it doesn’t concern the West or the U.S.,” he said.
“They always highlight issues affecting Christians while remaining silent on violence against Muslims. This bias breeds distrust and alienation among Muslim communities everywhere.”
The Council also expressed disappointment in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which it accused of spreading misinformation that fuels religious division.
“To CAN, who initiated these lies, they should know that when Nigeria sinks may Allah forbid it’s all of us that will bear the brunt,” Abdul Rahman warned.
“Christians, Muslims, not even pagans will be spared.”
He urged Nigerians to resist attempts by foreign powers to deepen sectarian rifts, emphasizing that peace and progress depend on unity and mutual understanding.
“Let us not allow foreign lies to divide us. Through understanding, dialogue, and cooperation, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a peaceful future for all.
“We advocate for unity among Nigeria’s diverse religious groups as a means to combat the violence plaguing the nation.
“We must solve our differences without inviting bloodthirsty imperialists to destroy the only nation we have,” he said.
The SCSN called on the federal government to respond firmly to the US designation, insisting that mere press releases are not enough to convey the seriousness of the situation.
“Our position is clear we strongly condemn this decision by the US,” Abdul Rahman declared.
“The government must do more than issue statements through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Stern action must be taken, even if it means cutting diplomatic ties, to show the gravity of the situation.”
