Senior Adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has dismissed widespread allegations of a targeted genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Boulos stated this on Friday during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
His comments come amid renewed pressure from U.S. lawmakers urging the White House to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, especially against Christians.
“Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe,” Boulos said.
According to him, terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram and ISIS have killed victims across all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, including a large number of Muslims.
“People of all religions and tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts. It is not something targeted at one group or the other. Any loss of life is one too many, and we must work together to end this menace,” he added.
Boulos acknowledged that the Middle Belt region has experienced recurring clashes between farmers and herders — conflicts that have claimed lives from both Christian and Muslim communities.
“It’s not correct to describe it as a genocide against Christians. Nigeria is a melting pot of ethnic and religious identities, and this has never been a serious religious issue and should not be,” he said.
The U.S. adviser further commended President Tinubu’s administration for introducing new security measures, describing partnership between both nations as vital to achieving lasting peace.
