- PFN leader says Christian genocide in Nigeria is undeniable and ongoing.
- Wale Oke urges Tinubu to partner with Trump instead of opposing the Christian genocide claim.
- The PFN links the killings to radical groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.
- Tinubu is currently holding high-level meetings with religious leaders as Trump raises threat.
The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has insisted that the violence against Christians in Nigeria qualifies as Christian genocide, stating that denying it will only worsen the crisis.
Speaking in Ibadan during a media briefing, Oke said the killing of Christians has gone beyond isolated attacks and has become systematic in several northern and central states. He cited examples including the murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, the kidnapping of Leah Sharibu, the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, and repeated assaults in Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Benue, Niger and the Owo church massacre in Ondo State.
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“There is Christian genocide in Nigeria. There is no other name to call it. No Christian group is attacking Muslims. The patience of the church is being stretched,” he said firmly.
He noted that the perpetrators are radical terrorist networks: Boko Haram, ISWAP, and splinter factions, who use religion as a cover, making it clear that ordinary Muslims in Nigeria are not responsible for the attacks.
The cleric reacted to Donald Trump’s recent comments, where the former U.S. President declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and accused the Nigerian government of allowing Christian genocide to continue unchecked. Trump vowed to act if necessary, a statement that has triggered heated debate within Nigeria’s political circles.
Instead of rejecting Trump’s claims, Wale Oke advised President Tinubu to see the situation as a diplomatic opportunity.
“President Tinubu should ask for the cooperation of President Trump instead of opposing him. Work together so Nigerians can live in peace,” he said.
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According to him, the priority should be rescuing victims, restoring security, and defending the constitutional obligation to protect every citizen regardless of religion.
He acknowledged that Tinubu inherited a difficult security situation but stressed that strong and decisive leadership is urgently needed.
“Government should stand up and not play politics with it. President Tinubu and the federal government need to cooperate with Trump to deal with this cancer,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu is currently in closed-door meetings with Christian and Muslim leaders following Trump’s threat of possible military action against extremist groups operating in Nigeria.
