Nigerian leaders have been fighting both misinformation and rising fears of foreign intervention. Reports emerged in early November 2025 that a website, Ibom Focus, had published a fake story quoting Pastor William F. Kumuyi, founder of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, as saying that “America is trying to steal our natural resources” and that there was “no Christian genocide in Nigeria.”
The church quickly denounced the item as entirely fabricated. It came as U.S. President Donald Trump was publicly threatening to send troops to Nigeria to “wipe out” militants accused of killing Christians. Nigerians from all walks of life, Christian and Muslim alike, have since pushed back on both the real and the fake claims, insisting that violence in Nigeria is complex and that the Kumuyi “resources” story is baseless.
Viral Fake News and Church Clarification
In early November, Ibom Focus posted the false headline, “America is Trying to Steal our Natural Resources; There is No Christian Genocide in Nigeria, says Pastor Kumuyi.” The report spread quickly across social media, causing widespread confusion among Nigerians.
Pastor Kumuyi’s Deeper Life Ministry immediately released a statement through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, condemning the publication as “malicious and entirely false news.” The church emphasized that Kumuyi had not held any press conference or made such remarks. In fact, he was overseas on a ministry tour at the time. The statement emphasized that Kumuyi focuses solely on preaching the gospel, not politics.
According to the church, the story “is a total fabrication and the figment of the imagination of its authors.” The Deeper Life Ministry also warned against attempts to politicize Kumuyi’s name. The church warned that those linking the General Superintendent to politics or spreading false stories would face legal action. Major Nigerian outlets like Vanguard, The Nation, and TVC confirmed this stance. They all described the viral post as fake news. The rumor tied Kumuyi to the U.S. security controversy. The church clarified he was preaching in the Pacific and made no political comments.
Nigerians React to Trump’s Threats
At the same time, many Nigerians expressed alarm over President Trump’s aggressive statements and the divisive narrative of a “Christian genocide.” According to The Guardian, Nigerians across the religious spectrum rejected the idea of military intervention in their country. The reactions highlighted that attacks in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims without discrimination.
Danjuma Dickson Auta, a Christian community leader from Plateau State, pointed out that “Christians are being killed, but we can’t deny the fact that Muslims are also being killed.” His words reflected the view of many Nigerians who believe that violence in the country is not purely religious but often rooted in social and economic tensions.
Other Nigerians echoed this stance. Abubakar Gamandi, a Muslim fishermen’s leader in Borno State, said, “Even those who spread this narrative of Christian genocide know it is not true.” Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State stressed that any U.S. action “must act within the realm of international law,” emphasizing diplomacy. Reverend Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North, called Trump’s comments a “wake-up call,” clarifying that “Trump said he is coming to deal with terrorists, not to fight Nigeria.”
Local Conflicts, Not Religious War
Analysts note the violence stems from local conflicts over land, resources, and insurgency; not from a campaign against any faith. Reports from AFP note that in regions like Plateau and other parts of the Middle Belt, farmers, mostly Christian, and nomadic Fulani herders, mostly Muslim, have clashed over dwindling land and water. Entire Nigerian communities have been displaced, and both sides have suffered heavy losses. The use of the word “genocide” by some groups reflects frustration over the scale of violence, but evidence shows that many victims in the north and Middle Belt are Muslim, contradicting the idea of a one-sided persecution.
Political and International Dimensions
The controversy also has political undertones. Observers said Washington-based Moran Global Strategies is promoting the idea that violence in Nigeria targets Christians. The firm has been spreading this narrative in the U.S. However, Nigerians face real threats from Boko Haram in the northeast and bandits in the northwest. These crises mostly affect Muslim communities.
President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians not to exaggerate or misrepresent the situation as religious intolerance. He reaffirmed that religious freedom remains a constitutional right in Nigeria.
Nigerians United Against Misinformation
For now, religious leaders and Nigerian citizens appear united in rejecting false headlines and divisive rhetoric. Deeper Life remains firm that Kumuyi’s name should not be entangled in political controversies. Muslims and Christians alike are urging Nigerians to stay calm, seek verified information, and avoid spreading fake news that could worsen tensions.
Daniel Bwala, spokesperson for President Tinubu, explained that Donald Trump “has his own style of communication,” and emphasized the need for diplomatic discussions to resolve misunderstandings. Nigerians are calling for caution, truth, and unity, demanding that their nation not be defined by misinformation or foreign propaganda.
Final Line
In essence, Nigerians are debunking the fake “US resource theft” story and challenging the alarmist narratives surrounding it. Despite facing real security challenges, Nigerians remain determined to protect their country’s image and preserve the harmony that binds their diverse communities.
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