MURIC Alleges Christian Leaders Using US Influence to Pressure Nigerian Government

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused some Nigerian Christian leaders of leveraging the United States’ influence to pressure the Federal Government and marginalize Nigerian Muslims.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights group alleged that reports of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria were deliberately sent to the US, which it described as a “Christian superpower,” instead of African bodies such as the African Union (AU) or ECOWAS.

MURIC claimed that both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorist attacks, but accused the media of portraying the crisis as one-sided.

“Terrorists attack soft targets, whether churches or mosques. While 200 churches were destroyed, about 6,000 mosques were also demolished across Northern Nigeria,” Akintola said.

The group also alleged that Muslims in southern Nigeria face systematic persecution and marginalization, insisting that their concerns are often ignored by authorities.

According to MURIC, Nigerian Christian leaders are “hiding under the umbrella of the United States to arm-twist the Federal Government” and secure political and economic advantage.

The group further criticized sections of the Nigerian media for what it called biased reporting, accusing some outlets of amplifying Christian victimhood while ignoring Muslim casualties.

“The media must embrace fairness and balance. Only Christian guests are featured on air, while Muslims are sidelined. This violates the principle of audi alteram partem — hearing from the other side,” MURIC stated

MURIC warned that such narratives could inflame religious tensions, urging the government not to yield to what it described as “Christian blackmail gimmicks.”

“Nigerian Muslims are caught between terrorists, marginalization by government, and pressure from foreign powers. The government must not turn them into guinea pigs,” the group added.

The organization concluded by appealing for fair media representation and equal treatment of all religious groups to sustain peace and national unity.