Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Statement from the Elders
- Call to Northern Governors
- Claims on Data and Casualties
- Geographical Implications of Violence
- Concerns Over False Narratives
- Conclusion
The National Patriotic Elders for Peace and Harmony of Nigeria has urged President Tinubu to file Treasonable Felony charges against citizens who reported alleged massacres of Christians to the United States.
In a press release, the President of the Elders, Dr. Bature AbdulAziz, stated that the actions of those who lack patriotism and respect for Nigeria amount to treasonable felony, for which they should be prosecuted.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with adequate laws and legal frameworks to address the concerns of its citizens. Reporting to other countries undermines the sovereignty of the nation, and anyone who does so should face consequences,” he emphasized.
The Forum called on Northern Governors to urgently convene a regional meeting that includes all religious and ethnic groups to discuss the critical issues surrounding insecurity and the ongoing killings of innocent citizens.
He remarked that the silence of the Northern Governors in light of the increasing threats of war from American President Donald Trump is not golden, urging them to document all killings and provide a comprehensive report on insurgent activities based on various demographics and attributes.
“The claim that over 500,000 Christians have been killed should be substantiated with facts, data, and figures by the Northern Governors before the relevant authorities and stakeholders. This can only happen if the governors take the matter seriously,” he added.
AbdulAziz asserted that the American government is fully aware, with supporting data, that the motives behind the killings in Nigeria are not driven by ethnicity, religion, or regional categories.
“A thorough fact-check would reveal that a significant portion of those killed from 1999 to the present—75 percent—are Muslims across the country, and the areas affected by this severe insecurity are predominantly Muslim-populated regions. Often, these communities are burned, lynched, and devastated,” he stated.
Dr. Bature AbdulAziz noted, “Examining the geographical locations of the country, the Northwest regions of Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano, and Jigawa are primarily Muslim areas and have experienced the most significant violence and displacement.”
He continued, “The Northeast regions of Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe are also predominantly Muslim areas, and the violence there indicates that the Muslim population has suffered more losses of lives and property than any other group.”
The elders explained that the North Central states of Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa, Benue, and Kwara have a higher percentage of Christians; however, the clashes often stem from conflicts between nomadic herders and farmers, with both groups suffering losses.
He claimed that Muslims face the highest risks due to tribalism and violence from host communities. This hostility frequently results in the deaths of their families, loss of cattle, and displacement of herders.
“Therefore, it is surprising that the US government would endorse a false narrative without allowing its intelligence networks to provide an accurate assessment of the situation,” he remarked.
“We believe that America may have ulterior motives regarding the allegations of a massive Christian massacre, possibly due to President Tinubu’s alignment with the Palestinian-Israeli two-state solution at the United Nations General Assembly or due to his favorable relations with France and other nations,” Dr. AbdulAziz suggested.
He reminded the Trump administration that Nigeria has historically played a central role in maintaining peace not only in Africa but globally, thereby preserving democracy in many African nations.
“Any attack on Nigeria would mean jeopardizing several African nations, as many rely heavily on Nigeria, which would also impact democracy across the continent. Therefore, we appeal to Trump to reconsider his decisions,” he concluded.
What is the position of the National Patriotic Elders regarding the reporting of alleged massacres? The Elders believe that reporting such incidents to foreign countries undermines Nigeria's sovereignty and should be considered treasonable. They urge legal action against those involved.
The Elders believe that reporting such incidents to foreign countries undermines Nigeria's sovereignty and should be considered treasonable. They urge legal action against those involved.
What do the Elders suggest Northern Governors do in response to insecurity? They suggest that Northern Governors convene a regional meeting with all religious and ethnic groups to address the critical issues of insecurity and violence.
They suggest that Northern Governors convene a regional meeting with all religious and ethnic groups to address the critical issues of insecurity and violence.
