Stephen Osemwegie, President of Save Nigeria Group USA, has said terrorism in Nigeria is not rooted in religion, citing Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s family ties with Muslims as an example of the country’s long history of peaceful coexistence.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Osemwegie said his organisation advocates for a Nigeria where Muslims, Christians, traditional worshippers and non-religious citizens can live safely, stressing that its campaign is humanitarian rather than political.
He recalled that Christians and Muslims had lived peacefully together for years, particularly in rural communities, including parts of Edo North, and argued that the current wave of violence, which he said has persisted since 2009, is alien to Nigeria’s traditions.
“Baba Adeboye mentioned that his own family married a Muslim. This terrorism is foreign to us,” Osemwegie said, adding that stronger international support and continued military efforts could help defeat terrorist groups.
He also highlighted his group’s advocacy in the United States, noting support from U.S. lawmakers, including Chris Smith and Riley Moore, for the proposed Nigerian Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, which he said aims to help curb terrorism and promote peace in Nigeria.
