The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied that Christians in Nigeria are targeted and killed by the Islamists masquerading as herders.
The denial came after the Trump’s administration threatened to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Under the Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency, millions of Christians were targeted, killed and persecuted across the country and the then government did nothing to protect the Christians.
Under the new administration of President Bola Tinubu, a supposed moderate Muslim, the persecution and killing of Christians have continued prompting the US reaction.
However, in a statement issued on Friday signed by the acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Nigerian government stated that while the Federal Government acknowledges the security challenges in the country, the incidents are not religiously motivated or targeted at any particular faith group.
It emphasized that insurgency and banditry in the predominantly Muslim northern region of Nigeria are not directed at any specific religious community.
According to the statement, “We could recall that U.S. Congress reports have previously expressed concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria, leading to the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern in the past. However, the Nigerian government has consistently refuted such claims, asserting that the security challenges are complex and not rooted in religious persecution. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, with a long-standing history of peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths. The government is committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender.
“The ongoing security challenges stem from criminality, terrorism, and communal clashes, particularly conflicts between farmers and herders, which have been exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and competition over land resources. These issues do not amount to systematic religious persecution”.
The statement outlined the measures taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address security concerns, including the deployment of security forces across conflict-prone areas, enhanced intelligence gathering, and cooperation between security agencies.
It also highlighted community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation.
While noting the progress made in curbing banditry and insurgency, the statement noted that recent military operations had significantly weakened criminal groups.
It further mentioned the implementation of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, combining military action with dialogue and economic reforms to address the root causes of insecurity.
The statement further said as part of long-term efforts to resolve conflicts linked to land use, the government has established a Ministry of Livestock Development and appointed a Special Adviser and Coordinator on Livestock Reforms to oversee sustainable solutions for pastoral farming.
This, it said, is crucial in reducing land disputes between farmers and herders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs then urged the international community to verify information before making statements that could escalate tensions within Nigeria. It called on the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.
