THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has blamed opposition figures for spreading claims that Christians are being targeted and killed in Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview today, Wike described the allegations of genocide under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “politics taken too far.”
While he declined to name specific individuals, the minister insisted that the narrative was being driven by elements within the opposition who, according to him, are desperate to undermine the government. “It is very obvious, and I have said this,” Wike stated.
“The problem we have today is that because of President Tinubu’s style of politics, the opposition has collapsed. They have seen that no party is ready to challenge him for a return to power, so they are creating stories to divide the country.”
Wike condemned suggestions that the current administration supports the killing of Christians, calling such accusations both false and damaging.
“It is an indictment that anyone will allege that a government I am serving supports genocide or the killing of Christians. This is politics taken too far,” he said.
He further questioned the logic of such claims, pointing out that several of the nation’s top security chiefs are Christians — including the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and the Chief of Defence Staff.
“How can any right-thinking person believe that we would sit in government and endorse the killing of our own people?” Wike asked.
The minister also noted that violence in any part of Nigeria brings no joy to responsible leaders, regardless of religion or region.
His comments came amid international concern following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on his Truth Social platform, where he accused the Nigerian government of allowing widespread killings of Christians.
Trump warned that the United States could take military action if Nigeria fails to curb the violence, describing any potential strike as “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
Asked about Trump’s threats and whether he feared possible U.S. intervention, Wike avoided a direct response but suggested that misinformation might be fueling the controversy.
“There could be some misinformation or distortion. It’s unfortunate,” he said.
Wike’s remarks highlight growing political tensions over claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, with both domestic opposition and international voices weighing in on a matter that continues to stir public outrage and diplomatic unease.