The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed claims of genocide against any religious or ethnic group in Nigeria, insisting that no such incidents have occurred in the country.
Speaking on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi at the opening ceremony of the Northern Traditional Rulers Assembly Meeting, the Sultan said it was impossible for anyone — Muslim or Christian — to be killed in a community without the knowledge of its traditional leaders.
“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.
“I challenge anyone, either within the country or abroad, to provide evidence of any genocide in Nigeria — where, who, and how it happened?” he added.
The Sultan also cautioned Nigerians against the spread and consumption of misinformation on social media, warning that most of the content circulating online 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 said, while urging the Federal Government to take urgent steps to regulate online activities.
On the purpose of the meeting, the Sultan said the gathering of northern traditional rulers aimed to strengthen community partnerships and develop new strategies to combat insecurity in the region.
He commended the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, for hosting the event, and appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for attending despite his demanding schedule.
Concluding his address, the Sultan called on Nigerians to continue praying for the nation’s leaders and to promote unity, peace, and understanding across all regions.
