The Nigerian government has rejected U.S. allegations of targeted killings of Christians, asserting that violence is due to criminality and banditry, not religious persecution. It expressed concern over misinformation and emphasized its commitment to securing all citizens’ safety. The response comes amid congressional discussions in the U.S. regarding Nigeria’s classification and the need for accurate narratives in international discourse.
On Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, represented by acting spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, issued a statement dismissing accusations from the United States regarding targeted killings of Christians in the country. The ministry emphasized that violence in Nigeria stems from criminal activities, banditry, and insurgency, rather than any form of religious persecution.
The Nigerian government has characterized the U.S. assertion as part of a misleading campaign intended to pressure international bodies to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). The ministry expressed strong concern over what it termed misinformation regarding supposed targeted killings of Christians, aiming particularly at influencing American policymakers.
The government’s response coincided with a congressional hearing in the United States, which contemplated sanctions against Nigeria due to the alleged violence against Christian communities. Additionally, lawmakers expressed their dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s perceived inability to safeguard these communities from ongoing attacks.
A report referenced during the hearing indicated that Nigeria is responsible for 90% of annual global killings of Christians, with over 55,000 deaths and 21,000 abductions attributed to terrorist activities from 2019 to 2023. This alarming statistic coincides with findings from Genocide Watch, which labeled Nigeria as “a killing field of defenseless Christians.”
In its rebuttal, the Nigerian government maintained that insecurity affects all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations. It specified that incidents of violence in the predominantly Muslim north are not aimed solely at one religious group, asserting that any narrative that suggests a religious targeting is misleading.
Furthermore, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of all citizens, highlighting ongoing military operations against insurgents and efforts to resolve communal conflicts. The statement outlined significant initiatives taken under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership to enhance security, including the deployment of military forces and community engagement efforts.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to carefully verify claims before issuing statements that could heighten tensions within Nigeria. The statement advocated for accurate narratives and a collaborative approach from media and civil society to avoid propagating unverified allegations.
As calls for Nigeria’s reinstatement as a CPC intensified, some U.S. lawmakers criticized the Biden administration for reversing this designation in 2021. Representative Chris Smith specifically pointed to the government’s failure to shield Christians from persecution as a violation of the constitutional commitment to religious freedom.
Despite external pressures and advocacy for a tougher U.S. response, the Nigerian government firmly rebuffed claims of state-sanctioned religious persecution, insisting that its security challenges are complex and multifactorial.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government has categorically denied allegations of targeted killings of Christians, attributing violence to broader issues of criminality and insurgency. It emphasizes its dedication to protecting all citizens regardless of faith and urges the international community to verify claims accurately. The ongoing controversy reflects both domestic and international concerns regarding the state of religious freedom in Nigeria, necessitating careful dialogue and understanding between parties involved.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
