The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted claims of targeted killings of Christians, dismissing recent reports as “misinformation and misleading.”
Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, issued a press release expressing “strong concern” over the reports, which he asserted were intended to influence foreign governments, particularly the United States, to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
The Ministry acknowledged the security challenges facing Nigeria but emphasized that these are not driven by religious bias. “The majority of incidents relating to insurgency and banditry… are not targeted at followers of a particular faith or religion,” Mr. Ebienfa stated. “Any narrative that seeks to give such incidents a coloration of religious persecution is erroneous and misleading.”
Nigeria, a “multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation,” remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or gender, the Ministry stated. It described the security issues as “complex and multifaceted,” including criminality, terrorism, and communal clashes, such as farmer/herder conflicts.
The government, under President Bola Tinubu, has taken “significant steps” to address these concerns, including deploying security forces and implementing community engagement initiatives. “The military has recorded substantial gains in curtailing the activities of bandits and insurgents,” the statement added.
The Ministry also highlighted government efforts to resolve farmer/herder conflicts, including the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development and the appointment of a Special Adviser and Coordinator of Livestock Reforms.
The Ministry urged the international community to “exercise caution and verify information” and called on all stakeholders to “refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.”
“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa,” the statement concluded, welcoming “constructive dialogue” but rejecting “any attempts to wrongly designate the country, distort the narrative, or sow seeds of discord among our people.”
Add Comment