The Federal Government has refuted allegations that Christians are being specifically targeted by bandits and insurgents in the North-East and North-West regions of the country.
This comes amid reports that the United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa had authorized former President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria over alleged widespread killings of Christians and rising religious violence. The decision followed a congressional hearing where lawmakers criticized Nigeria for failing to protect Christian communities.
In response, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Friday, dismissed the claims as misleading. Acting Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa described the reports as part of a campaign aimed at pressuring foreign governments to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious persecution.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to express strong concern over the recent wave of misinformation regarding the supposed targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The government acknowledged the security challenges facing the country but insisted that these incidents were not religiously motivated. The ministry emphasized that most attacks in the predominantly Muslim northern region were not aimed at any specific religious group.
It also reiterated Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature, assuring that the government remains committed to protecting all citizens regardless of faith. Efforts to address security concerns, including military operations against insurgents, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, were highlighted.
The statement further urged the international community to verify information before making statements that could inflame tensions. It called on the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners to avoid spreading unverified claims, stressing the need for national unity and stability.
