Clerics Urge Nigerians to Stay Calm, Reject Division Over Trump’s Remarks

Christian and Muslim leaders under the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) have appealed to Nigerians to remain peaceful and united in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claim alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. The forum stressed that such statements, if taken out of context, could spark unnecessary tension across the country.

The religious leaders emphasised that Nigeria has long been a diverse nation where people of different faiths coexist, and warned that external comments with divisive undertones should not be allowed to sow discord. They urged citizens to prioritise national unity over sensational claims.

According to the IDFP, the country’s challenges require collective responsibility rather than narratives that pit one religious group against another. They noted that framing Nigeria’s security issues as a war between Christians and Muslims distorts reality and undermines ongoing efforts to address insecurity.

The forum encouraged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid misinformation, and continue engaging in dialogue that promotes harmony. They reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence and called on leaders at all levels to guide citizens with truth, wisdom, and restraint.