Christians not persecuted in nigeria sultan of sokoto insists

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has sparked controversy by stating that Christians are not persecuted in Nigeria. This statement has been met with widespread criticism and disbelief by many Nigerians, particularly Christians, who have been victims of religious violence and persecution in the country.

The Sultan's statement was made during a meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, in Sokoto, Nigeria, on October 25, 2022. The Sultan claimed that Christians and Muslims in Nigeria coexist peacefully and that there is no persecution of Christians in the country.

However, many Nigerians have disputed the Sultan's claim, citing numerous instances of violence and persecution against Christians in the country. According to reports, thousands of Christians have been killed, injured, or displaced in Nigeria due to religious violence, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria, has also rejected the Sultan's statement, saying that it is "false and misleading." CAN has called on the government to take concrete steps to protect Christians and ensure their safety and security.

The Sultan's statement has also been criticized by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which has documented numerous cases of religious violence and persecution in Nigeria.

The controversy surrounding the Sultan's statement highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Christians in Nigeria, who continue to suffer from religious violence and persecution. It also underscores the need for greater dialogue and understanding between religious leaders and the government to address these issues.

In response to the backlash, the Sultan has clarified his statement, saying that he did not mean to downplay the suffering of Christians in Nigeria. He has also called for greater efforts to promote peace and understanding between Christians and Muslims in the country.

Despite the controversy, the Sultan's statement has sparked a wider conversation about the challenges faced by Christians in Nigeria and the need for greater action to protect their rights and safety.