Nigeria Rejects Claims of Targeted Killings of Christians, Calls for Caution in International Reports
By Matthew Eloyi
The Federal Government has strongly refuted claims of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, dismissing such reports as misleading and an attempt to manipulate foreign governments into taking punitive actions against the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the allegations as part of a campaign to pressure the United States government into designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.
“The unfortunate development is intended to influence foreign governments, especially the United States Government, to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern due to the violence against Christians,” the statement, signed by the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, read.
While acknowledging the security challenges in the country, the Ministry emphasized that these issues are not driven by religious bias. It clarified that the violence linked to insurgency and banditry, particularly in the predominantly Muslim northern region, is not directed at any religious group.
“Any narrative that seeks to give such incidents a coloration of religious persecution is erroneous and misleading,” the statement added.
The Ministry stressed that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation committed to protecting all citizens regardless of faith, ethnicity, or gender. It described the security situation as “complex and multifaceted,” attributing it to criminality, terrorism, and communal clashes, including the long-standing conflict between farmers and herders.
In response to these security concerns, the government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has ramped up security efforts through military deployments, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. The statement highlighted recent strides in curtailing banditry and insurgency, as well as efforts to resolve farmer-herder disputes through initiatives like the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Livestock Reforms.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community, media, and civil society organizations to verify information before making statements that could inflame tensions within Nigeria.
“We welcome constructive dialogue and support from the international community in addressing our security challenges. However, we strongly reject any attempts to wrongly designate the country, distort the narrative, or sow seeds of discord among our people,” the statement concluded.
The Federal Government reaffirmed Nigeria’s stance as a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa, urging stakeholders to focus on collaborative solutions rather than divisive rhetoric.