The Federal Government has dismissed allegations of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing such claims as misinformation aimed at influencing foreign governments, particularly the United States, to label the country as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
In a statement issued on Friday, March 14, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Acting Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa stressed that while Nigeria faces security challenges, they are not driven by religious bias or persecution.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses deep concern over the recent wave of misinformation and misleading reports alleging targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria.
“This unfortunate development appears to be aimed at influencing foreign governments, particularly the United States, to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to purported violence against Christians,” the statement read.
The government argued that insurgency and banditry-related violence in the predominantly Muslim northern region of Nigeria do not specifically target any faith group. It described attempts to frame such incidents as religious persecution as “erroneous and misleading.”
Nigeria, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender, the statement assured.
It explained that the country’s security crisis stems from complex issues such as terrorism, communal clashes, and criminal activities—not religious conflicts.
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The Ministry highlighted ongoing efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackle insecurity, including the deployment of security forces, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.
It noted “substantial progress” in combating insurgents and bandits through a mix of military and non-military strategies.
The government also pointed to the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Livestock Reforms as part of efforts to address farmer-herder clashes, which have been a significant source of communal violence.
Calling for caution in reporting, the Ministry urged the global community to verify claims before making statements that could escalate tensions.
“We call on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners, to refrain from disseminating unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability,” the statement added.
The government reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, rejecting attempts to “misrepresent the situation, distort the narrative, or sow discord.” It welcomed constructive dialogue and international support in addressing security concerns.