Global coverage at a glance: breaking international headlines, geopolitical insights, regional developments, and on‑the‑ground reports from every continent.
WASHINGTON — Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, a Pentecostal pastor, has publicly challenged assertions that Christians in her country are facing genocide, even as reports of targeted violence continue to emerge. In an exclusive interview with CBN News, Tinubu repeatedly stated her disagreement with the characterization of systematic extermination, attributing the ongoing bloodshed to a complex interplay of regional conflicts, poverty, terrorism, and political instability as Nigeria approaches its 2027 election cycle.
“I don’t think so,” Tinubu responded when directly asked about the possibility of genocide. She argued that framing the violence as specifically targeting Christians could inadvertently exacerbate the situation, providing a rallying cry for terrorist groups. “When you have terrorists and people kidnapping for money, and when the world is throwing in a narrative that is Christian genocide, {terrorists} will have hit on that and begin to attack churches,” she explained.
Tinubu’s comments come amid growing international concern over the escalating violence in Nigeria, which has been described as one of the most dangerous places for Christians globally. According to Open Doors’ World Watch List, more than 70 percent of Christians killed worldwide in recent years have died in Nigeria. Reports detail not only killings but likewise widespread kidnappings for ransom, the loss of homes and farmland, and forced marriages of women and girls to their captors.
While acknowledging the suffering of Christians, Tinubu emphasized the broader context of the conflict, noting that thousands of Muslims have also been killed. She pointed to her own experience with religious prejudice, recounting an incident where a Muslim cleric publicly called for her to be stoned for being a “heathen.” Notably, she stated that much of the support she received in response came from leaders in the predominantly Muslim north, suggesting a more nuanced religious dynamic than often portrayed.
The First Lady also expressed gratitude for recent U.S. Military intervention, specifically thanking President Trump for the missile strikes conducted against terrorist holdouts on Christmas Day. “We thank President Trump for what he did for us,” Tinubu said, adding that it was “the first Christmas that no one was attacked.”
Since taking office, Tinubu’s husband, President Bola Tinubu, has authorized expanded joint military operations, increased intelligence sharing with the United States, and announced plans to recruit an additional 20,000 police and security personnel to combat terrorism. Still, critics remain skeptical, arguing that these measures are insufficient given the scale of the crisis and the years of bloodshed that have already occurred.
In early February, Tinubu undertook a diplomatic visit to Washington, described by some observers as a “charm offensive” aimed at promoting trade and strengthening U.S.-Nigeria relations. During the trip, President Trump publicly recognized her at the National Prayer Breakfast, praising her as a respected national leader and a Christian pastor.
Tinubu has frequently highlighted her nearly 40-year interfaith marriage as a model for peaceful coexistence in a deeply divided nation. “If I’m going to enjoy my marriage, Jesus has to come in and give me that peace,” she said, adding, “My husband is a good man.” A former senator, educator, author, and podcast host, Tinubu has framed her mission as rebuilding “the broken walls” of her country through initiatives focused on youth engagement, education, and women’s health.
Despite these efforts, the ongoing violence in Nigeria continues to fuel debate over whether the government is adequately addressing the root causes of the conflict and whether it can effectively stem the bloodshed and reassure both its citizens and the international community. The question of whether the situation constitutes genocide remains a contentious one, with many families displaced and grieving awaiting a more definitive response.
