Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has rejected claims that Nigeria is persecuting Christians, calling recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump “sweeping statements” that distort reality and risk deepening religious divisions. Trump had labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and hinted at possible military action over alleged killings of Christians by extremist groups.

Soyinka stressed that Nigeria’s crisis is not a religious war, but a struggle against extremist groups—including Boko Haram and ISWAP—that exploit religion for political and economic gain. He criticized past leaders for failing to hold perpetrators accountable, noting that unchecked violence reinforces the false perception of a Christian–Muslim conflict.

Citing data, Soyinka and the Coalition of Northern Groups highlighted that violent attacks in 2024 and 2025 affected Muslims and Christians alike. For example, between January 2020 and September 2025, over 20,400 civilians were killed nationwide, with confirmed religious affiliations showing 317 Christian deaths and 417 Muslim deaths.

Soyinka warned that misrepresenting Nigeria as a site of Christian genocide could serve geopolitical interests aimed at destabilizing the country and the broader Sahel region.

The Federal Government, through Minister of Information Alhaji Mohammed Idris, urged Nigerians to remain calm, asserting that President Bola Tinubu can safeguard the nation and manage international relations effectively.