The founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, has denied reports circulating online that he made comments dismissing claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
The viral report, which gained traction on social media over the weekend, alleged that the respected cleric had accused the United States of using the genocide narrative to exploit Nigeria’s natural resources.
However, in a statement issued through the church’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Deeper Life described the publication as “false and misleading.”
“Any recent news reports or public statements being attributed to Pastor W. F. Kumuyi are false and inaccurate. Pastor Kumuyi is fully engaged with the ongoing Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK). He has not granted any recent press interviews or made public statements on other matters,” the statement read.
Church Warns Against Fake News
The church leadership further cautioned members of the public to disregard such unverified stories, emphasizing that the cleric remains focused on evangelism and spiritual outreach programs across Nigeria and beyond.
The rebuttal came after several unverified online outlets published claims suggesting that Pastor Kumuyi had downplayed reports of persecution against Christians and accused the U.S. government of political interference.
Background
Nigeria has faced mounting scrutiny from international observers and foreign governments over allegations of religiously motivated violence.
Some advocacy groups in the United States have described the killings of Christians in parts of Nigeria as “genocide,” while the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected that characterization.
Officials in Abuja maintain that the country’s security challenges — including insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes — affect citizens of all faiths, not Christians alone.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government criticized what it called “foreign propaganda” designed to sow division among Nigerians.
Reactions
The false attribution to Pastor Kumuyi sparked heated conversations on social media, with many calling for stricter regulation of online news platforms spreading misinformation.
Religious commentators also warned that misrepresenting statements from high-profile clerics could deepen existing religious sensitivities in a country where faith remains a powerful social and political force.
Many say that prominent religious figures like Pastor Kumuyi, whose influence extends across Africa, are often targets of fake quotes and fabricated interviews aimed at driving traffic or stirring controversy.
Insecurity And Misinformation
Pastor Kumuyi’s clarification appears to have calmed tensions around the viral report. As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity and misinformation, religious institutions are urging the media and the public to prioritize fact-checking and responsible reporting.
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For now, the Deeper Life leader remains focused on his ongoing global crusade — steering clear of political or diplomatic debates surrounding Nigeria’s internal affairs.
