By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Economic Community of West African States has dismissed growing claims of genocide in the region, insisting that the recent wave of terrorist attacks is part of a broader campaign of extremist violence affecting all communities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the regional bloc expressed concern over escalating terror incidents in several member states, including Nigeria, warning that misinformation could worsen insecurity and deepen social divisions.
“ECOWAS wishes to draw the attention of partners and the international community as a whole to the growing level of violence that terrorist groups of different colouration have perpetrated in some countries in the West African region, including Nigeria,” the statement read.
The bloc clarified that extremist groups do not target any single religion or ethnicity, stressing that civilians of all faiths have fallen victim to the attacks.
“As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age,” ECOWAS stated.
Rejecting claims that Christians were being systematically targeted, the organisation urged the United Nations and international partners to support regional efforts to combat terrorism and to dismiss what it described as “false and dangerous” narratives.
“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region,” it added.
The bloc reaffirmed its commitment to peace and unity, calling for a collective fight against terrorism rooted in facts and solidarity rather than sectarian rhetoric.
“ECOWAS calls on the whole world to stand by the countries in the region in their fight against terrorism that targets all communities,” it said.
The statement followed recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who labelled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and accused the government of allowing attacks on Christian communities.
Meanwhile Nigerian Government dismissed Trump’s remarks as misleading, affirming its commitment to protecting all citizens and upholding religious freedom while intensifying efforts against violent extremism.