The Nigerian government has dismissed U.S. accusations regarding targeted killings of Christians, claiming violence results from banditry and criminality. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that security challenges affect all citizens and criticized the narrative suggesting religious persecution. The government is committed to addressing these issues through military and community engagement efforts, urging international scrutiny to be based on verified claims.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted allegations from the U.S. that violence against Christians in Nigeria is a form of targeted killings, asserting that the violence primarily is rooted in banditry and criminality. Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa expressed the government’s concern over what it views as misinformation aimed at influencing foreign policy, particularly regarding Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
The government highlighted its belief that the recent U.S. hearings, which criticized its failure to protect Christian communities, mischaracterize the situation. Reports suggesting that Nigeria accounts for a staggering 90% of annual Christian deaths globally have been strongly challenged by Nigerian officials, who argue that security issues affect various communities irrespective of faith.
In this context, the Ministry stated that, “these negative activities are not driven by religious bias, nor targeted against any particular religious group.” The spokesperson emphasized that incidents of banditry and insurgency in the predominantly Muslim northern regions are not specifically targeting followers of a given faith.
Furthermore, the government noted that it is actively engaged in resolving communal conflicts and combating insurgent activities through military deployments and intelligence efforts. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding all citizens and countering narratives that paint Nigeria as solely a site of religious persecution.
The statement encouraged international observers to verify information before making assumptions that might inflame tensions in the region. It highlighted Nigeria’s reputation for religious tolerance and coexistence, calling for constructive dialogue to address security challenges and rejecting misconstrued narratives.
The ongoing debate is compounded by calls from U.S. lawmakers for Nigeria to regain its CPC status, fostering discussions about religious freedom amid criticism from advocacy groups and religious leaders about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria. In light of these developments, the Nigerian government maintains that claims of state-endorsed religious persecution are unfounded and that its security challenges extend beyond religious contexts.
The Nigerian government strongly denies allegations of targeted killings of Christians, attributing violence to rampant criminality and insurgency rather than religious factors. It emphasizes the need for accurate information and dialogue in addressing the multifaceted security challenges facing the country and maintains that its commitment to protecting all citizens remains steadfast amid international scrutiny.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
