The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed allegations of targeted killings of Christians, asserting that violence is not religiously motivated. The government emphasizes its dedication to protecting all citizens while addressing complex security challenges through varied strategies. It calls for caution from the international community regarding misinformation and advocates for cooperation to uphold national unity.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its deep concern regarding recent misinformation alleging targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. These claims are believed to be an attempt to persuade foreign governments, notably the United States, to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to alleged violence against Christians.
The Federal Government of Nigeria acknowledges the country’s complex security challenges but asserts that these issues are not motivated by religious bias or specific targeting of any religious group. Incidents of violence, particularly in the predominantly Muslim northern regions, do not discriminate by faith, and narratives linking these occurrences to religious persecution are deemed misleading.
As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, Nigeria prioritizes the protection of all citizens irrespective of their faith, ethnicity, or gender. The security issues faced by the country are intricate, involving criminal activity and communal tensions, such as farmer-herder disputes, which are not fundamentally rooted in religious differences.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, substantial measures have been undertaken to enhance security, including the mobilization of security forces and improved intelligence operations. The military has achieved notable success in combating banditry and insurgency, while both federal and state authorities are adopting varied strategies, implementing the National Livestock Plan to address security concerns.
To tackle land disputes fueling communal conflicts, the government has established a Ministry of Livestock Development and appointed a Special Adviser to develop effective solutions for pastoral farming. This initiative aims to resolve tensions between farmers and pastoral herders, significantly addressing underlying conflicts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls upon the international community to critically evaluate information before forming conclusions that may elevate tensions within Nigeria. It urges all sectors, including the media and civil society, to avoid the spread of unverified information that could potentially destabilize national unity.
Nigeria continues to exemplify religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa and is dedicated to maintaining this heritage. The government welcomes constructive dialogue and international support in confronting security challenges while firmly opposing any distortion of the narrative that might incite discord among its populace.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government has firmly rejected claims of targeted killings of Christians, attributing any violence to broader security issues rather than religious persecution. It emphasizes its commitment to protect all citizens and address complex security challenges, advocating for verified information and support from the international community to preserve national unity and peace. Under new leadership, Nigeria is taking proactive steps to mitigate conflict and promote coexistence among its diverse populations.
Original Source: nta.ng
