The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has strongly condemned the United States government’s recent decision to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Great Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, the Council’s Secretary, Engineer Hassan Abdul Rahman, described the move by the Donald Trump administration as a “one-sided narrative” that fails to reflect the complex realities fueling violence across Nigeria.
“The Council is not happy with this development on allegations regarding Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Abdul Rahman said. “The Trump administration should have sought a balanced perspective on the situation before jumping to conclusions.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s insecurity is rooted in a “complex web of ethnic, political, and economic challenges,” rather than a deliberate 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, arguing that the international community often ignores violence against Muslims while amplifying incidents involving Christians. “Wherever Muslims are killed, it doesn’t concern the West or the U.S.,” he stated. “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 criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), accusing it of spreading misinformation that worsens 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 called on Nigerians to reject external attempts to deepen sectarian divides, stressing that peace and national 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 Council urged the federal government to take a strong diplomatic stance in response to the U.S. designation, insisting that symbolic reactions were insufficient. “Our position is clear we strongly condemn this decision by the U.S.,” 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.”
