“CAN Started These Lies, but When Nigeria Sinks We Will All Bear the Brunt” — Sharia Council Fumes over U.S. Threats

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has sharply condemned the United States government’s recent classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Great Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, calling the designation biased and misleading.

In a statement from Kaduna, the Council’s Secretary, Engineer Hassan Abdul Rahman, criticized the U.S. move as a “one-sided narrative” that fails to reflect Nigeria’s complex security realities. He argued that the nation’s insecurity stems from a mix of ethnic, political, and economic challenges rather than a targeted campaign against Christians. “By statistics, it’s clear that Muslims are mostly the victims in various instances,” Abdul Rahman said, adding that attributing the violence solely to religious motives oversimplifies the situation and undermines efforts toward national unity.

Abdul Rahman accused Western powers of selective concern, pointing out that global outrage often rises only when Christians are affected, while violence against Muslims receives far less attention. He also blamed the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for spreading what he described as misinformation that fuels religious division. “To CAN, who started these lies, they should know that when Nigeria sinks, may Allah forbid, it’s all of us that will bear the brunt,” he warned.

The Council urged Nigerians to reject foreign attempts to deepen sectarian divides and focus on dialogue and unity. “Through understanding, dialogue, and cooperation, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a peaceful future for all,” Abdul Rahman said, emphasizing that unity among Nigeria’s diverse religious groups is key to combating violence.

He also called on the federal government to take stronger action in response to the U.S. designation, arguing that diplomatic statements alone are insufficient. “Stern action must be taken, even if it means cutting diplomatic ties, to show the gravity of the situation,” he said.

The U.S. designation comes amid heightened tensions following remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump threatening action over the killing of Christians in Nigeria, sparking heated debate across the country.