Reactions As El-Rufai Shared Report Claiming IPOB Hired American Firms To Push Christian Genocide

Reactions have continued to pour in on social media following a report shared by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, claiming that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) engaged American firms to promote a narrative of Christian genocide in Nigeria.

El-Rufai shared the report on his official X account on Friday, November 21, 2025, at a time when the country is under heightened international scrutiny. This followed recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, warning that the U.S. would take action against Islamic terrorist groups if the Nigerian government failed to stop attacks on Christians.

In the post, El-Rufai highlighted findings from the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filings in Washington, which, according to the report, revealed that IPOB and its affiliates “hired American lobbying firms to promote a narrative of Christian persecution in Nigeria.”

The report further noted that the ongoing violence in Nigeria has affected both Christians and Muslims, challenging the narrative that attacks target only one religious group.

Social media users were quick to respond to El-Rufai’s post, sparking debates across X and other platforms.

Some users expressed support for the governor’s revelation, suggesting it sheds light on the role of foreign entities in amplifying regional grievances for political purposes. Others criticized the post, arguing that it could inflame religious tensions in the already volatile Southeast and further polarize public opinion.

Screenshots circulating online show a mix of reactions, ranging from outrage and disbelief to calls for independent investigations. Many commenters questioned the motives of IPOB and the American lobbying firms allegedly involved, while others urged calm, stressing the need for verified information before drawing conclusions.

Political analysts have noted that the timing of the report is significant, coming shortly after the U.S. government’s public criticism of Nigeria’s handling of religious violence. Some observers believe that the narrative could influence international perceptions of the conflict in the Southeast and affect Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.