Falana Blasts Trump Over False Claims on Christian Genocide in Nigeria

By Diafa Doubra,

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has faulted the U.S. President Donald Trump over his recent comments alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview in Lagos, Falana described Trump’s claim as a deliberate falsehood aimed at portraying Nigeria as a country divided along religious lines. He argued that the persistent violence in parts of the country, especially in the North Central region, is largely rooted in economic and land disputes, not religious persecution.

According to Falana, “There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. The killings in Benue, Plateau, and other regions are caused by competition for resources, particularly grazing land and farmland, not by religion.”

He further accused Trump of using Africa as a political talking point, saying the former U.S. leader’s statements only fuel misinformation and deepen divisions. Falana urged Nigerians and the international community to focus on addressing insecurity, poverty, and inequality rather than spreading misleading narratives.