AfriPulse
An Islamic body, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), on Monday dismissed recent claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria by American TV host, Bill Maher.
Maher had in last Friday’s episode of is HBO talk show, “Real Time with Bill Maher,” alleged that Christians are being targeted for killing by extremist groups in the North.
He added terrorists in Nigeria had killed over 100,000 Christians and destroyed more than 18,000 churches.
The American show host also alleged that there was an orchestrated campaign to wipe out the Nigerian Christian population.
But, in a statement posted on its X handle and signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the Muslim body said Maher’s claims were not only false but alarmist and agenda-driven to set Muslims and Christians in Nigeria on the war path.
READ ALSO: Troops arrest soldier, police officer smuggling arms to terrorists
MPAC warned that such claims are not only misleading but also potentially dangerous for Nigeria’s delicate social fabric.
The statement read: “Terrorists and criminal groups have killed Muslims and Christians alike, and even those with no religious affiliation. More Muslims than Christians have actually been victims of terrorist attacks in Nigeria.
“Attempts to reframe this as a religious war serve only the terrorists’ agenda to divide our people.
“If those concerned about Christian persecution are looking for evidence of genocide, they should turn their eyes to Gaza, not Nigeria.”
MPAC reaffirmed Nigeria’s identity as a multi-religious nation with a longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence, and urged “Nigerians and the international community to remain committed to truth, reject divisive narratives, and focus on combating terrorism in all its forms, whether non-state or state-sponsored.”
Source: RipplesNigeria | Read the Full Story…
