Sultan of Sokoto challenges genocide claims in Nigeria
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has challenged anyone at home or abroad to produce evidence that a genocide has occurred in Nigeria. He made the statement during the opening of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Assembly meeting in Birnin Kebbi, where he rejected claims that any faith or ethnic group has been subjected to genocide in the country.
The monarch asked critics to specify where a genocide took place, who was targeted, and how it happened, stressing that such allegations need proof before they become accepted as fact. He also warned against accepting unverified reports circulating on social media and urged caution when judging incidents reported online.
The Sultan’s comments come amid heightened debate about rising insecurity and communal violence in parts of Nigeria. He acknowledged that insecurity affects all communities and urged that those who raise alarms should present clear evidence so public discourse is anchored in facts rather than emotion.
Reactions to his statement have been mixed. Some media and public figures welcomed his call for evidence and calm, while others argued that the scale and pattern of recent killings and attacks require independent investigation and stronger protection for vulnerable communities. The exchange has widened discussion on how best to document and verify claims of mass abuses in the nation.
Traditional rulers and security agencies attending the assembly were urged to strengthen community ties and to work with government bodies to reduce violence and improve intelligence sharing. The Sultan emphasised that traditional institutions play a role in preventing and detecting serious crimes within their domains.
Calls for clear, verifiable evidence and for calm public discourse are likely to continue as civil society groups and faith leaders press for better documentation of attacks and for stronger state responses. The Sultan’s position adds a prominent voice to the debate and shifts attention onto the need for reliable data and transparent investigations.
