The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rebukes claims of targeted killings of Christians, stating they are part of a misleading campaign aiming to influence foreign perceptions. While acknowledging security issues, the government emphasizes that incidents of violence are primarily crimes rather than religious persecution and urges verification of information by the international community.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria has firmly rejected allegations of targeted killings of Christians, describing such reports as a misleading campaign aimed at influencing foreign governments to label the country as a “Country of Particular Concern”. This statement was issued by the Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in response to a prior congressional hearing by the United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, which considered sanctions against Nigeria due to claims of escalating violence against Christians.
During the congressional session, frustrations were voiced regarding the Nigerian government’s perceived inefficacy in protecting Christian communities. Reports indicated Nigeria holds a significant statistic, with the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa indicating that 90 percent of Christians killed worldwide are from this nation. Between October 2019 and September 2023, over 55,000 individuals were reportedly killed, with an additional 21,000 abducted by extremist groups.
The Ministry acknowledged the security issues within Nigeria but asserted these incidents are not driven by religious bias. It emphasized that violence, particularly in the predominantly Muslim north, is predominantly motivated by criminal activities, insurgency, and banditry, rather than religious persecution. The statement underscored that misconceptions about religious targeting are erroneous and serve to mislead international observers.
Highlighting Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature, the government reinforced its commitment to protecting all citizens irrespective of their faith or ethnicity. Efforts to mitigate security threats, including military operations against insurgents and addressing communal strife between farmers and herders, were also noted. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, significant measures have been implemented to enhance security, including troop deployments and community engagement initiatives.
The Ministry called upon the international community to fact-check information prior to making statements that may further inflame tensions in Nigeria. It urged stakeholders in the media and civil society to refrain from disseminating unverified claims and emphasized the significance of national unity and stability.
In conclusion, Nigeria expressed its dedication to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, requesting international assistance in overcoming security concerns. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly rejected misinterpretations of the situation that attempt to create division among the populace, reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining its heritage of religious harmony in Africa while welcoming constructive dialogue for security improvement.
In summary, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly refutes claims of targeted killings of Christians, attributing violence instead to criminality and insurgency. The government emphasizes its commitment to protecting all citizens and fostering unity among diverse faiths and ethnicities. The Ministry urges the international community to verify information before commenting on Nigeria’s security challenges and reaffirms the nation’s dedication to religious tolerance and coexistence.
Original Source: punchng.com
