Amid escalating violence in Nigeria, a senior official from the African Union has dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide, drawing a swift response from the United States.

This controversy arises as Nigeria grapples with a prolonged period of violence, including killings, kidnappings, and attacks on villages in its northern and central regions. The Christian communities residing in these areas have reported that the situation has become dire.

In a recent incident, at least 51 Christians were reportedly killed in an attack in Nigeria’s Plateau state, according to Reuters.

When questioned about former President Donald Trump’s comments threatening Nigeria over the persecution of Christians, African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf refuted the genocide allegations. Speaking at the United Nations, Youssouf stated, “There is no genocide in northern Nigeria.” He clarified that the situation should not be equated with the atrocities witnessed in Sudan or parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Youssouf emphasized that Muslims are the primary victims of Boko Haram, not Christians, and cited documented evidence to support his claim. He described the situation as “extremely complex” and cautioned against simplifying it into a single narrative. “The complexity of the situation in northern Nigeria should not be taken lightly, nor described with overly simple language,” he reiterated, emphasizing once more, “There is no genocide in northern Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, funerals were held for approximately 27 Christians who were allegedly killed by Islamist Fulani tribesmen in the village of Bindi Ta-hoss, Nigeria, as reported by Christian Solidarity International.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas., warned about a PR campaign being waged by the Abuja government to fight the accusations. 

“Nigerian officials know their policies have created an environment in which Christians are being persecuted and slaughtered, including their enforcement of sharia law and their tolerance of Islamist violence. Instead of reversing these policies, they are waging a media campaign to escape exposure and accountability. I intend to prevent them from doing so.”

Sen. Ted Cruz listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing March 23, 2021. (Greg Nash/Pool via AP)

The White House also responded in starkly different terms. A senior official told Fox News Digital: “As the president stated, if the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may take action to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.” The official added that President Trump has designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and ordered the Department of War to prepare for possible action.

Women and children who were held captive by islamic extremists, and rescued by the Nigerian army, are seen upon arrival in Maiduguri, Nigeria, May 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Jossy Olatunji)

On Capitol Hill, some lawmakers are pressing for even stronger measures. Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., said the United States could take a range of actions — including sanctions and “even kinetic military action” — in response to what he called the “genocide” of Christians in Nigeria. Trump designated Moore, a member of the Appropriations Committee, along with Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., to lead an investigation into the killing of Christians by Islamist militants in the African nation.

On Wednesday, Stéphane Dujarric, a spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, addressed the issue in response to a question by Fox News Digital at the daily press briefing about persecution of Christians in Nigeria — and whether the secretary-general supports President Trump’s warning that Nigeria must act or face consequences. Dujarric, said, “We believe that the Nigerian government has been struggling with an insurgency that has been killing people, whether Muslims, Christians or others, and I think whatever assistance is needed should be done with the cooperation of the Nigerian authorities.”