Senior Pastor of Guiding Light Assembly, Wale Adefarasin, has stirred national and international debate following his recent remarks dismissing claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria. In a widely circulated sermon, Pastor Adefarasin stated that while violence against Christians is real and condemnable, it does not amount to genocide.
Addressing his congregation on Sunday, Pastor Adefarasin said: “For over 40 years that I’ve been a Christian, there have been killings in Southern Kaduna, killings on the Plateau, and religious riots. This isn’t new. It’s wrong, yes—but it’s not genocide. The way the West talks about it, you’d think a Christian can’t step outside without being killed.”
His comments were in response to recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump and other Western leaders expressing concern over what they termed a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
Pastor Adefarasin also questioned the sudden surge of international interest in Nigeria’s religious violence, suggesting that geopolitical and economic interests may be driving the narrative.
“Why the sudden love for Christians? Is it really about faith, or is it about Nigeria’s growing strategic importance?” He emphasized that while advocacy is welcome, it must be grounded in truth and not sensationalism.
Human rights groups have called for a more nuanced approach, acknowledging both the persistence of violence and the need for accurate terminology when describing such events.
Pastor Wale Adefarasin’s comments have reignited discussions about religious violence in Nigeria and the global framing of such issues. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, voices like his challenge both domestic and international audiences to reflect on the complexities behind the headlines.