Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has condemned remarks made by Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who suggested Christians in Nigeria’s middle belt stage killings to fabricate claims of genocide.

Gumi’s comments, made amid ongoing violence and insecurity in the region, have sparked widespread outrage. Fani-Kayode described the statement as “insensitive and misleading”, saying it’s a “monstrous mendacity” to claim Christians aren’t being targeted and killed.

In a statement shared on social media, Fani-Kayode emphasized Christians face sustained attacks from Islamist terrorist groups, leading to significant loss of life. He noted extremist violence affects multiple groups, but Christians are disproportionately targeted.

The US had earlier designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, citing severe religious freedom violations and warning of possible military measures if the situation doesn’t improve.