In recent days, international media outlets have reported alarming figures about ongoing violence in Nigeria; claiming that more than 700 Christians have been killed in just the first 220 days of 2025, with some even describing the killings as a “systematic genocide.” In response, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed these reports as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
While PSJuk Media acknowledges that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and multifaceted, we must pause to ask critical questions:
- Where does the government’s true concern lie? Is it more about protecting its international reputation, or about protecting the lives of Nigerians who are being killed daily?
- If this is not genocide, then what is it? Even if the killings are not officially categorised as a targeted religious extermination, is the reality not that many victims are slaughtered because they refuse to embrace extremist ideologies?
- What concrete measures are being taken? Beyond press releases and denials, how is the government actively ensuring that Nigerians, especially Christians, Muslims, and all others—can live without fear of terror, abduction, or massacre?
It is important to clarify narratives, but it is far more urgent to end the violence. PSJUK acknowledges that there are various aspects of insecurity taking place in specific regions of the country. Much of the critical strongholds of violence exist within the middlebelt region, where there is evidence of targeted attacks on Christian communities. These ought to be acknowledged and addressed, not denied and gaslit. Each number cited in these reports represents a human life - families shattered, communities displaced, and dreams cut short.
PSJUK, an NGO that has supported both Christian, Muslim and all categorisations of Nigerian victims of insecurity, calls on the Federal Government to go beyond rebuttals and focus on transparency, accountability, and measurable action in addressing insecurity. Nigerians deserve the truth. Nigerians deserve peace. Nigerians deserve leadership that protects lives first, before defending images abroad.
Note: Ayo Adedoyin, CEO of PSJUK, is available for media contributions
About PSJUK: The International Organisation for Peace Building & Social Justice (PSJ UK) is a non-profit dedicated to promoting peace, social justice, and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond. Through a global network of partners, PSJ UK amplifies the voices of marginalised communities and advocates for human rights, equality, and dignity for all.