Pastors, Imams urge calm after Trump’s ‘Christian Genocide’ claims, warn against division

A coalition of influential Christian and Muslim clerics in Nigeria has urged citizens to remain calm and united following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent allegations of a “Christian genocide” in the country.

The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) issued the caution in a joint statement, warning that Trump’s comments, widely shared online, could worsen religious tensions if not handled with restraint.

Co-chairs of the forum, Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman and Dr. Yussuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, acknowledged that many Nigerians are reacting strongly to the controversial remarks.

They stressed, however, that inflammatory rhetoric from external figures must not be allowed to sow division within the country.

“Every life lost diminishes us all, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” the statement read.

The clerics emphasised that while insecurity in Nigeria has caused real suffering, framing the crisis in religious terms could dangerously distort the country’s complex security landscape.

Amid heightened debate both locally and internationally, the IDFP advised political, religious, and community leaders to act responsibly and discourage citizens from making reactive or hostile statements.

“We strongly urge all communities to reject retaliation and choose dialogue over conflict,” the forum stated. “This is a sensitive time, and restraint is essential.”

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The IDFP reiterated that Nigeria’s security challenges, including banditry, extremism, and communal disputes, cannot be solved through fear, suspicion, or blame. Instead, the clerics called for stronger collaboration between communities and continued interfaith engagement.

According to the forum, promoting peace, understanding, and national unity remains the most effective way to counter extremists who exploit religious narratives for violence.

As reactions to Trump’s statement continue to circulate online, the IDFP urged Nigerians to avoid overstating religious divisions and to focus on shared efforts toward stability and development.

“Our strength has always been rooted in our diversity,” the clerics said, adding that Nigeria must approach sensitive global commentary with maturity and caution.