The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected claims alleging targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, stating that these reports are misleading and erroneous.
In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday, it was noted that incidents of insurgency and banditry predominantly occur in Nigeria’s northern region, which is largely Muslim, and do not specifically target followers of any faith.
This denial comes in response to actions by the United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, which has authorized President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria due to the alleged widespread killing of Christians and escalating religious violence in the country.
The Ministry emphasized that the narratives surrounding these incidents seem intended to influence foreign governments, particularly the United States, into designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over purported violence against Christians.
“While the Federal Government acknowledges the security challenges the nation faces, it is essential to clarify that these incidents are not driven by religious bias or aimed at specific religious groups,” the statement read.
It further asserted that “any narrative framing such incidents as religious persecution is both erroneous and misleading.”
“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, and the government is committed to protecting the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or gender. The security challenges we face are complex and multifaceted, arising from criminality, terrorism, and communal clashes—including conflicts between farmers and herders—that are not rooted in religious motivations.”
It further emphasized that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian government has implemented significant measures to address these security concerns. This includes deploying security forces, improving intelligence gathering, and engaging with local communities. The military has made substantial progress in curtailing the activities of bandits and insurgents. To further mitigate security threats, both federal and state authorities have adopted a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies while expediting the implementation of the National Livestock Plan.
In this regard, the government has established a Ministry of Livestock Development and appointed a Special Adviser and Coordinator of Livestock Reforms to develop sustainable solutions for pastoral farming. This initiative aims to resolve land disputes between farmers and pastoral herders, addressing one of the root causes of communal conflicts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges the international community to exercise caution and verify information before drawing conclusions or making statements that could heighten tensions within Nigeria. We call on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners, to refrain from disseminating unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.
“Nigeria stands as a beacon of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Africa, and we remain committed to preserving this heritage. We welcome constructive dialogue and support from the international community in addressing our security challenges. However, we firmly reject any attempts to misrepresent the situation, distort the narrative, or sow discord among our people.”
