According to a report by Vanguard Newspapers on Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has rejected recent remarks by Islamic cleric Sheik Ahmad Gumi suggesting that Christians in the Middle Belt are staging funerals to create a narrative of genocide.
The fellowship described the comments as insensitive, irresponsible, and morally unacceptable, highlighting concerns about the impact of such statements on public perception and community relations.
Gumi had alleged that Christians were burying empty coffins to exaggerate the scale of killings in the region.
PFN officials, however, criticized the claim as baseless and inflammatory.
They emphasized that the assertion does not withstand scrutiny and is contrary to the realities of violence and insecurity affecting communities across the Middle Belt.
The Christian body questioned the plausibility of the allegations, pointing out practical inconsistencies in the claim.
They highlighted that if such mass staging were truly taking place, numerous logistical issues would arise, including who dug the graves, who carried the coffins, and who documented the events.
PFN also noted that no participant, villager, or bystander has ever come forward to confirm such actions, further undermining the credibility of the accusation.
PFN stressed that Nigeria has experienced significant losses due to terrorism and banditry, with thousands of genuine victims in affected communities.
The fellowship underscored that spreading unverified and provocative claims can misrepresent the suffering of families who have lost loved ones and can increase tensions among religious and community groups.
The statement said, “If such mass staging truly occurred, who dug the graves? Who carried the coffins? Who filmed the events? Why has no participant, villager, or bystander ever come forward?.”
The fellowship called on all leaders to exercise responsibility in public statements, particularly on sensitive issues related to violence and security.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of attacks and promoting unity, understanding, and dialogue between different faith communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, while urging public figures to avoid statements that could inflame existing conflicts. View, More,
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