A NIGERIAN civil society organization (CSO), Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network, has issued a forceful rebuttal to what it describes as a “malicious campaign of disinformation” originating from the United States, which alleges a ongoing genocide of Christians in Nigeria.
In a press statement dated November 2, 2025, and signed by Jaye Gaskia, Chair of PAVE Network’s Steering Committee, the CSO condemned the escalating narrative, which it claims has now reached the highest levels of the U.S. government.
The group expressed alarm over reports that the U.S. President is considering designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and has even threatened unilateral military action.
“The orchestrated mobilisation of hate against Nigeria has now reached the upper echelons of the US Government,” the statement read, warning of the “deliberate and intentional decimation and obliteration of Nigeria.”
While acknowledging the country’s “very dire” state of insecurity, PAVE firmly rejected the characterization of the crisis as a religious genocide.
The group stated that Nigeria is grappling with “endemic insecurity” rooted in “failing and dysfunctional governance, and attendant developmental challenges,” not a faith-based war.
“Are there several unresolved, and sometimes historical grievances existing, and being mobilised in Nigeria today? Yes, there are,” the statement conceded. “Has Nigeria been faced with incidences of Mass Atrocities occasioned by several fatalities? Yes, it has. But is there a Genocide of any type ongoing in Nigeria now? Much less a Religious, or Christian Genocide? Absolutely Not!”
PAVE described the genocide allegation as part of a broader, coordinated effort to destabilize Nigeria and South Africa—another nation facing similar claims of a “genocide of white farmers.”
The CSO argued that these two countries have been “marked for this campaign of calumny” precisely because of their potential to provide leadership for Africa and lead the continent out of underdevelopment.
“This is a wakeup call for our governments, and ruling elites to close ranks, to prioritize the interests of the people, to make governance work and deliver for the people,” the statement urged, calling on authorities to act responsibly in protecting citizens and safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
The advocacy group also directed a message to the Nigerian populace, urging citizens to resist being used as “unwitting tools” by external forces.
It called for unity, asking Nigerians to rise “as Nigerian Citizens, not as Christians, Muslims, Northerners or Southerners,” to simultaneously reject foreign intervention and demand greater accountability from their own government.
In a pointed historical comparison, the statement cautioned, “Let us not allow States and Countries founded on Genocide – the genocide of the Native Americans; and on Slavery – the ruthless enslavement of Africans; to orchestrate a new and actual genocide in our countries.”
The statement called for vigilance and critical thinking, describing the current situation as a “War On Nigeria, War On Africa, And War On Black People.”
It insisted that accepting what it calls a “dangerous narrative” could lead to a self-destructive “culture of hate” that serves outside, sinister interests.
