The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has challenged claims of genocide in Nigeria, urging anyone making such allegations to provide verifiable evidence.
Speaking at the opening of the Northern Traditional Rulers Assembly Meeting (Kebbi 2025) in Birnin Kebbi, the Sultan emphasized that no religious or ethnic group has been targeted for extermination in the country.
No Evidence of Genocide, Sultan Insists
The Sultan stated unequivocally that there has been no genocide against Christians, Muslims, or any other group in Nigeria.
“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 said.
He further challenged both local and international parties to present concrete evidence of any such occurrence.
Warning Against Misinformation on Social Media
Addressing the role of social media, the Sultan cautioned Nigerians against believing unverified information online.
He noted that much of the content circulating on social platforms is false or misleading.
“Most of the information posted on social media is not true. People must verify such information before accepting it as fact,” he stated, stressing the importance of responsible information sharing.
Call for Government Regulation
The Sultan also appealed to the Federal Government to take proactive steps to regulate social media use in the country.
He highlighted the dangers posed by the spread of fake news, emphasizing that misinformation could threaten national peace and unity.
Strengthening Community Collaboration
Regarding the assembly of traditional rulers, the Sultan explained that the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration among communities and to develop strategies for tackling insecurity across Northern Nigeria.
He commended Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for hosting the event and expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for attending despite his busy schedule.
Concluding his remarks, the Sultan called on all Nigerians to pray for the nation’s leaders and to remain committed to promoting peace, stability, and unity throughout the country.