The Kaduna State chapter of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) has condemned the United States government for designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, describing the move as biased, misleading, and based on a “one-sided narrative.”
In a statement on Sunday, the council’s Secretary, Hassan Rahman, faulted the administration of President Donald Trump for relying on reports that failed to reflect the true causes of insecurity across Nigeria.
“The council is not happy with this development on allegations regarding Christian genocide in Nigeria. The Trump administration should have sought a balanced perspective before jumping to conclusions,” Rahman said.
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He maintained that available data showed Muslims had also been major victims of Nigeria’s security challenges.
“By statistics, it’s clear that Muslims are mostly the victims in various instances. Attributing these tensions solely to religious motivations oversimplifies the realities on the ground and undermines national unity,” he added.
Rahman accused Western governments of selective concern, saying they only react when Christians are victims of violence.
“Wherever Muslims are killed, it doesn’t concern the West or the U.S. They always highlight issues affecting Christians while remaining silent on violence against Muslims. This bias breeds distrust and alienation among Muslim communities everywhere,” he said.
The council also took a swipe at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), accusing it of peddling falsehoods that allegedly influenced the U.S. decision.
“To the Christian Association of Nigeria, who initiated these lies, they should know that when Nigeria sinks, may Allah forbid, it’s all of us that will bear the brunt; Christians, Muslims, and even pagans,” Rahman warned.
He urged Nigerians to reject what he called foreign meddling in domestic religious matters.
“We must solve our differences without inviting bloodthirsty imperialists to destroy the only nation we have,” he stated.
The council called on the Tinubu administration to take decisive diplomatic measures in response to Washington’s decision.
“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,” Rahman said.
The development follows the recent announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who listed Nigeria among countries of particular concern over alleged persecution of Christians, a designation shared via the White House’s official X handle, in line with U.S. foreign policy statutes on religious freedom.
