Sultan of Sokoto Refutes Claims of Genocide in Nigeria, Warns Against Fake News

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has refuted allegations suggesting that acts of genocide have been committed against any religious or ethnic group in Nigeria. He described such claims as baseless, dangerous, and capable of undermining the country’s fragile unity.

The monarch made the statement on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, in Birnin Kebbi, during the opening ceremony of the Northern Traditional Rulers Assembly Meeting, hosted by the Kebbi State Government. The event, which brought together traditional rulers, security chiefs, and government officials from across the northern region, focused on strengthening community-based security networks and fostering national cohesion.

Speaking at the meeting, the Sultan firmly dismissed the notion that Nigeria has experienced any form of genocide, whether against Christians, Muslims, or any other group. He challenged individuals or organizations—both within and outside the country—who have made such allegations to present verifiable evidence.

“There is no way someone, whether a Muslim or a Christian, can be killed without the knowledge of the traditional rulers of the community where such a person belongs,” the Sultan said.

“I challenge anyone, either within the country or abroad, to provide evidence of any genocide in Nigeria — where, who, and how it happened?”

The Sultan noted that while Nigeria has faced various forms of violence and insecurity over the years, including communal clashes, terrorism, and banditry, it was misleading to label any of these as genocide. According to him, such narratives are often pushed by individuals seeking to inflame religious or ethnic sentiments and should be treated with extreme caution.

He further cautioned the public against the growing trend of misinformation on social media, warning that unverified claims spread rapidly online can exacerbate tensions and create false perceptions about the nation’s realities.

“Most of the information posted on social media is not true,” he stated. “People must verify such information before accepting it as fact. Misinformation and hate speech are capable of destabilizing the peace of our communities.”

The Sultan also appealed to the Federal Government to take proactive measures to regulate the use of social media platforms in Nigeria. He argued that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it must not be abused in ways that threaten national peace and security.

“There is an urgent need to control the misuse of social media. We must balance free speech with responsibility. Many of the divisions we see today are fueled by falsehoods shared online,” he added.

On the purpose of the Northern Traditional Rulers Assembly, the Sultan explained that the conference serves as a platform for royal fathers to collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to insecurity, poverty, and youth unemployment across northern Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in peacebuilding, intelligence gathering, and mediation at the grassroots level.

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar commended Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State for hosting the event and expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his attendance despite his tight schedule. He said the presence of military and security representatives at the meeting underscored the shared commitment to restoring peace in the region.

He urged Nigerians to remain united and prayerful, noting that national progress can only be achieved through cooperation, mutual understanding, and sustained dialogue.

“We must continue to see ourselves as one people, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation,” he said. “Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division. Let us continue to pray for our leaders and for lasting peace in our country.”

The Sultan’s comments come amid ongoing debates on social media and international platforms about alleged religious persecution in parts of Nigeria. His intervention, observers say, seeks to calm tensions and redirect attention toward collective efforts in nation-building.

The Northern Traditional Rulers Assembly is a periodic gathering of emirs, chiefs, and community leaders across the region, established to promote dialogue, good governance, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.