Prominent Nigerian clergyman, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, has reacted to the U.S. government’s reported plans to sanction several Nigerian governors and top officials over alleged religious freedom violations.

In a video shared online,

Adefarasin said that while violence against Christians in Nigeria is deeply concerning, it is not a new phenomenon and does not amount to genocide as some foreign observers have described.

According to him, “There have been killings of Christians in Nigeria for over 40 years. It’s unfortunate, but it’s nothing new. I don’t know why the United States is suddenly showing so much love for Nigerian Christians.”

He questioned the motives behind what he called America’s “selective concern,” suggesting that the West often intervenes in African affairs only when it aligns with political or strategic interests.

Adefarasin urged Nigerians to focus on addressing internal divisions and insecurity rather than relying on foreign sympathy or intervention. He also emphasized the need for faith leaders to preach unity, peace, and national reconciliation in the face of persistent ethnic and religious conflicts.