Old Photo, New False Claim: Viral Image Of Clergyman Praying By Grave Alleging 2025 ‘Christian Genocide’ Misrepresents

A powerful image showing a clergyman praying beside an open grave has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, sparking emotional reactions and claims of an ongoing “Christian genocide” in Northern Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The post, shared by a user identified as Dr. Andy Osakwe, alleges that the photo—featuring Reverend Dachomo kneeling in prayer—is fresh evidence of religious killings taking place in 2025. However, a closer look tells a very different story.

Image Traced to 2023

A reverse image search reveals that the photo is not new. It first appeared online in 2023, when several Nigerian media outlets reported on a mass burial for victims of communal violence in Plateau State. At the time, Reverend Dachomo was among clergymen and community leaders offering prayers for peace.

The emotional photograph captured a moment of mourning — not a scene from a recent attack. Over time, however, it has resurfaced across social media, repeatedly misused to push false or exaggerated narratives of ongoing religious persecution.

No Evidence of Genocide in 2025

Fact-checks and official security reports confirm there is no verified evidence of a state-backed campaign of violence against Christians in Northern Nigeria in 2025.

While security incidents and communal clashes continue to pose challenges, no local or international watchdog has documented any systematic genocide under the current administration.

Recycled Imagery and Online Propaganda

This is not the first time that old crisis images have been recycled to stoke fear and division. Similar misinformation patterns have been identified by Dubawa, Africa Check, and AFP Fact Check, which have all debunked misleading posts using outdated photos to inflame ethnic or religious tensions.

Verdict

The viral image is not recent and has no connection to any 2025 event. It dates back to 2023 and is now being misused to promote a false narrative of a Christian genocide in Northern Nigeria.

While insecurity remains a pressing concern, claims of an ongoing state-sponsored Christian genocide under President Tinubu are FALSE and OUT OF CONTEXT.