Nigeria Refutes Claims of Targeted Killings of Christians
The Federal Government has dismissed recent claims suggesting that Christians are being deliberately targeted in Nigeria, describing such reports as misleading and aimed at influencing foreign governments, particularly the United States, to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that while Nigeria faces security challenges, these incidents are not motivated by religious bias or persecution.
“The majority of security incidents, particularly in the northern part of the country, are not targeted at any particular religious group. Any attempt to frame these as religious persecution is erroneous and misleading,” said the ministry’s Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding all citizens, irrespective of faith, ethnicity, or gender. It noted that security challenges in the country are complex and driven by factors such as terrorism, criminality, and communal conflicts, including clashes between farmers and herders.
To address these issues, the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deployed security forces, enhanced intelligence gathering, and engaged local communities. It also highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the appointment of a Special Adviser and Coordinator of Livestock Reforms to address farmer-herder conflicts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to verify information before making statements that could heighten tensions in Nigeria.
“We call on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners, to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability,” the statement read.
The government reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a nation of religious tolerance and coexistence, welcoming constructive dialogue and international support in addressing security challenges while rejecting any attempt to distort the situation for political motives.
