The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly rejected allegations that Christians are being deliberately targeted for killings in parts of the country. It described these claims as the work of fifth columnists seeking to have Nigeria designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the international community.
In a statement issued on Friday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the matter: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses strong concern over the recent wave of misinformation and misleading reports regarding the alleged targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. This unfortunate narrative appears to be aimed at influencing foreign governments, particularly the United States, to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) based on unfounded allegations of religious persecution.”
The statement emphasized that while the Federal Government acknowledges the serious security challenges facing the nation, these incidents are not driven by religious bias nor directed at any particular religious group. “It is important to clarify that the majority of incidents related to insurgency and banditry in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim northern region are not targeted at individuals based on their faith. Any suggestion that these security challenges amount to religious persecution is misleading and inaccurate.”
The government reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, underscoring its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or gender. It stressed that the country’s security challenges are complex and multifaceted, stemming from criminal activities, terrorism, and communal clashes, including farmer-herder conflicts, which are not religiously motivated.
The statement highlighted the proactive measures taken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address these security challenges, including:
- Deployment of security forces
- Enhanced intelligence gathering
- Community engagement initiatives
Furthermore, significant progress has been made in curbing the activities of bandits and insurgents through both kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (diplomatic and strategic) approaches. As part of broader reforms, the government has expedited the implementation of the National Livestock Plan. This includes the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development and the appointment of a Special Adviser and Coordinator of Livestock Reforms to address disputes over land between farmers and pastoral herders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to exercise caution and verify information before drawing conclusions or making statements that could exacerbate tensions within Nigeria. “We urge all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners, to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability. Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa, and the government remains committed to preserving this legacy.”
The government reiterated its openness to constructive dialogue and international support in addressing security challenges but strongly rejected any attempts to distort the narrative or sow division among the Nigerian people.
