The Federal Government has dismissed recent allegations of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, labeling the report as misleading and factually incorrect.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the report appears to be a deliberate effort to sway foreign governments, particularly the United States, into designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over purported religious violence.
Ebienfa stressed that Nigeria is a diverse nation with multiple ethnicities and religions, and the government is dedicated to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, irrespective of their faith, ethnicity, or gender.
The statement clarified: “While the Federal Government acknowledges the security challenges facing the nation, it is important to emphasize that these issues are not driven by religious bias, nor are they targeted at any specific religious group. The majority of incidents related to insurgency and banditry in the predominantly Muslim northern regions of Nigeria are not directed at followers of any particular faith. Any narrative suggesting religious persecution is both inaccurate and misleading.
“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, and the government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting all citizens. The security challenges in the country are complex and multifaceted, encompassing criminality, terrorism, and communal clashes, including conflicts between farmers and herders, none of which are rooted in religion.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian government has taken significant steps to address these security concerns. These measures include the deployment of security forces, enhanced intelligence gathering, and community engagement initiatives. The military has made notable progress in curbing the activities of bandits and insurgents.
“To further tackle these challenges, both federal and state authorities have adopted a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. The implementation of the national livestock plan has been expedited, and a Ministry of Livestock Development has been established. Additionally, a Special Adviser and Coordinator of Livestock Reforms has been appointed to develop sustainable solutions to pastoral farming, aiming to resolve land disputes between farmers and herders.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the international community to exercise caution and verify information before drawing conclusions or making statements that could inflame tensions within Nigeria. We urge all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners, to avoid spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.
“Nigeria remains a model of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa, and we are committed to preserving this legacy. We welcome constructive dialogue and support from the international community in addressing our security challenges. However, we firmly reject any attempts to misrepresent the country, distort the narrative, or sow division among our people.”
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