Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Senior Pastor of Guiding Light Assembly, has said that the recent violence targeting Christians in Nigeria does not constitute genocide. He noted that attacks on Christians have occurred intermittently over the years, particularly in regions like southern Kaduna and Plateau State.

Reflecting on his over 40 years as a Christian, Pastor Adefarasin pointed out that incidents such as riots and targeted killings have been a recurring feature of Nigeria’s socio-religious landscape. He also referenced previous events influenced by international incidents, including the defacing of an image of Prophet Muhammad in France, which led to retaliatory attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

“It’s nothing new. It doesn’t amount to genocide,” Pastor Adefarasin said. “The way the West is talking about it, it’s as if a Christian steps on the street, his head will be blown off.”

His comments come amid ongoing local and international discussions on religious violence in Nigeria, highlighting the need for context and careful assessment before labeling the situation as genocide.