The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has firmly stated that Nigeria has never experienced any form of genocide against any religious or ethnic group, be it Christian or Muslim.
The revered monarch made this known on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the Northern Traditional Rulers Assembly Meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
According to the Sultan, “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 went on to issue a challenge, saying, “I challenge anyone, either within the country or abroad, to provide evidence of any genocide in Nigeria—where, who, and how it happened?”
The Sultan cautioned Nigerians against consuming unverified information on social media, noting that a large portion of what circulates online is misleading or completely false.
“Most of the information posted on social media is not true. People must verify such information before accepting it as fact,” he warned.
He also called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps toward regulating the activities of social media users in order to curb the spread of misinformation and hate speech, which he said threaten national unity.
Speaking further about the purpose of the Northern Traditional Rulers Assembly, the Sultan said the gathering was designed to strengthen collaboration among traditional leaders and develop effective strategies to combat the rising insecurity across Northern Nigeria.
He expressed gratitude to Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, for his hospitality and lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for attending the meeting despite his demanding schedule.
Concluding his remarks, Sultan Abubakar urged Nigerians to continue offering prayers for the country’s leaders and to work together in fostering peace, tolerance, and national cohesion.
What you should know
Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, is one of Nigeria’s most respected religious and traditional leaders, known for his advocacy for peace and interfaith harmony.
His recent remarks rejecting claims of genocide in Nigeria come amid growing concerns about misinformation and religious tensions. By calling for social media regulation and urging traditional rulers to strengthen community ties, the Sultan reinforced his position as a stabilizing voice in national discourse.
His emphasis on unity and responsible information sharing underscores his long-standing commitment to national peace and development.
