The Federal Government has rejected a recent social media post by the United States Embassy in Abuja, saying the message misrepresents the true security situation in Nigeria and unfairly criticises the government’s efforts.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government expressed concern over the post and testimonies delivered by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula during a U.S. Congressional hearing on religious persecution in Nigeria.
The Ministry noted that although the clerics are entitled to their views and constitutional rights to free expression and association, their testimonies presented an oversimplified and inaccurate version of a complex national security challenge.
Describing the US Embassy’s comments as “inaccurate and unfair,” the Ministry strongly refuted the claim that the Nigerian government has failed to tackle rising insecurity.
“The government has taken clear and consistent steps to address violence, including deploying security operatives to affected communities, promoting peace between farmers and herders, boosting intelligence gathering, and introducing policies such as land reforms and economic programmes to tackle the root causes,” the statement read.
It further stressed that while challenges persist, it is wrong to portray the Nigerian government as inactive or unconcerned, adding that the country is contending with several threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to organized crime, which cut across religious and ethnic lines.
The Ministry reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to upholding fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion and speech, and assured that any reported threats against religious leaders will be thoroughly investigated.
The government, however, dismissed any suggestion of a systematic religious extermination in the country, particularly against Christians, and pledged to continue safeguarding all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity.
“We urge all stakeholders, both local and international, to adopt responsible communication that reflects the complexities of the situation and encourages unity and constructive engagement, rather than deepening divisions,” the statement concluded.
