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The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has condemned the recent move by the United States government under President Donald J. Trump to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, the Secretary of the Council, Engineer Hassan Abdul Rahman, described the decision as “unjust, biased, and reflective of a one-sided narrative.”
According to him, the U.S. designation ignored the complex realities driving insecurity in Nigeria, which, he said, stem from a mix of ethnic, political, and economic factors, not religion.
“The Council is not happy with this development on allegations regarding Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Abdul Rahman said.
“The Trump administration should have sought a balanced perspective on the situation before jumping to conclusions.”
He argued that while the U.S. claims to be defending persecuted Christians, available statistics show that Muslims have also suffered heavily from terrorist attacks and communal conflicts across the country.
“By statistics, it’s clear that Muslims are mostly the victims in various instances,” he added.
“Attributing these tensions solely to religious motivations oversimplifies the realities on the ground and undermines efforts toward national unity and peace.”
Abdul Rahman accused Western nations of exhibiting selective empathy, saying their outcry only grows when Christians are affected, while the deaths of Muslims rarely receive the same attention.
“Wherever Muslims are killed, it doesn’t concern the West or the U.S.,” he said.
“They always highlight issues affecting Christians while remaining silent on violence against Muslims. This bias breeds distrust and alienation among Muslim communities everywhere.”
The Sharia Council also criticised the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), alleging that the body’s “false narratives” had contributed to deepening religious tensions in the country.
“To CAN, who initiated these lies, they should know that when Nigeria sinks — may Allah forbid — it’s all of us that will bear the brunt,” he warned.
“Christians, Muslims, not even pagans will be spared.”
The Council urged Nigerians to resist attempts by foreign powers to sow division, stressing that peace and stability depend on unity and mutual respect among the country’s diverse groups.
“Let us not allow foreign lies to divide us. Through understanding, dialogue, and cooperation, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a peaceful future for all,” he said.
Abdul Rahman further urged the federal government to respond firmly to the U.S. designation, insisting that issuing statements alone would not be sufficient.
“Our position is clear, we strongly condemn this decision by the U.S.,” he declared.
“The government must do more than issue statements through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Stern action must be taken, even if it means cutting diplomatic ties, to show the gravity of the situation.”
