Sultan of Sokoto: “There Is No Genocide in Nigeria — Stop Believing Social Media Lies”
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared that Nigeria has never witnessed any act of genocide against any religious or ethnic group.
The revered monarch made the remark on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi during the opening of the Northern Traditional Rulers Assembly Meeting, Kebbi 2025.
“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,” the Sultan stated. “I challenge anyone, within or outside the country, to provide evidence of any genocide in Nigeria — where, who, and how it happened?”
‘Social Media Is Fueling Misinformation’
The Sultan warned Nigerians against believing false narratives on social media, stressing that many of the posts circulating online are unverified, exaggerated, or deliberately misleading.
“Most of what is posted on social media is not true. People must verify such information before accepting it as fact,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures to regulate the excesses of social media users, noting that the unchecked spread of fake news could endanger Nigeria’s peace, unity, and reputation globally.
Traditional Rulers Unite for Peace and Security
Addressing the purpose of the assembly, the Sultan said the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation among Northern traditional institutions and craft new strategies to confront insecurity and social instability across the region.
He commended Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State for hosting the conference and lauded the attendance of Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, describing his presence as a sign of commitment to collaboration between security agencies and traditional authorities.
‘Let’s Pray for Our Leaders and Our Nation’
The Sultan concluded with an appeal for continued prayers for Nigeria’s leaders and a renewed commitment to national unity.
“Our collective peace depends on truth, justice, and the unity of our people,” he said. “Let us always promote understanding, not hatred. Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
The Bureau News notes that the Sultan’s message comes at a time of heightened sensitivity to ethnic and religious narratives, underscoring his long-standing advocacy for dialogue and tolerance in national discourse.
