The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, has strongly dismissed claims suggesting a genocide against Christians in Northern Nigeria. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Northern Traditional Rulers Assembly Meeting in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, the Sultan emphasized that there has been no act of genocide against any ethnic or religious group in the region, whether Christian or Muslim.
Addressing the gathering on October 21, 2025, the Sultan challenged anyone to provide credible evidence of such genocide occurring within Nigeria. He stated firmly, "There is no way someone, whether a Muslim or a Christian, can be killed without the knowledge of the traditional rulers of the community where such a person belongs." He urged Nigerians and observers abroad to verify information before accepting reports, cautioning against the spread of false or misleading content on social media platforms.
The Sultan also called on the Federal Government to regulate social media activities in order to curb the dissemination of fake news, which he warned could heighten tensions and insecurity. He praised the efforts of Northern traditional rulers to unite and collaborate as they work towards addressing insecurity challenges in the region.
His comments come amid ongoing debates and concerns related to religion-based violence and insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria. While some groups have claimed the occurrence of genocide against Christians in the North, the Sultan's statement provides a strong rebuttal, asserting there is no official or factual record of such an incident.
The Sultan also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, for hosting the conference and acknowledged the presence of military leadership committed to regional peace efforts.
In conclusion, the Sultan called on all Nigerians to continue praying for unity and peace, emphasizing the importance of maintaining social cohesion in the face of security challenges. His denial of genocide claims seeks to foster a balanced understanding and discourage divisive narratives that could undermine national stability.
This clear rejection from one of Northern Nigeria's highest traditional authorities is significant in the context of ongoing national conversations about security, religious peace, and the role of traditional rulers in mediation and conflict resolution.