CALL FOR FACT-BASED ASSESSMENT OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND CONFLICT DYNAMICS IN NIGERIA

Your Excellencies,

The Office of the Country Director, International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria, respectfully expresses concern regarding reports attributed to the United Nations alleging that Christians in Nigeria are facing killings and forced religious conversion.

As an international human rights organization committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and accredited within the framework of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), we believe that allegations of such magnitude should be subjected to thorough, independent, and evidence-based investigation before being presented in a manner that may be interpreted as a general characterization of an entire nation or religious community.

Our observations, engagements, and interactions with communities across Nigeria indicate that many security incidents frequently cited in public discussions, particularly in states such as Benue and Plateau, are often linked to a complex combination of criminality, communal disputes, competition over resources, banditry, and broader security challenges. These situations deserve careful and objective investigation and should not be oversimplified as exclusively religious persecution without clear and verifiable evidence.

We respectfully note that Islam, the faith practiced by millions of Nigerians, expressly prohibits compulsion in matters of religion. The Holy Qur’an clearly states:

“There shall be no compulsion in religion.”
(Qur’an 2:256)

The Qur’an also affirms the sanctity of human life:

“Whoever kills a person unjustly, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved all mankind.”
(Qur’an 5:32)

These principles clearly demonstrate that forced religious conversion and unlawful killing are contrary to the teachings of Islam.

Nigeria remains a country where millions of Muslims and Christians continue to live, work, worship, and coexist peacefully. We are therefore concerned that statements issued without sufficient context, broad consultation, or comprehensive investigation may unintentionally create misunderstanding, deepen divisions, and undermine ongoing peacebuilding and interfaith harmony efforts.

We respectfully urge the United Nations and its relevant agencies to engage broadly with local communities, religious leaders, traditional institutions, human rights organizations, civil society groups, and independent stakeholders before issuing conclusions on sensitive matters relating to religion and conflict in Nigeria.

As partners in the global pursuit of peace, human rights, justice, and social harmony, we remain ready to support objective fact-finding, constructive dialogue, and evidence-based assessments that promote national unity, mutual understanding, and lasting peace.

Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration.

Respectfully Submitted,

Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu
Country Director, Nigeria
International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT)

ECOSOC Accredited

9th June 2026