The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed allegations of targeted killings of Christians as misleading. The reports were deemed part of an effort to label Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.” The ministry emphasized that the violence in the country stems from criminality and insurgency, not religious persecution, urging caution among international stakeholders in commenting on Nigeria’s security situation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria has firmly rejected claims regarding the targeted killings of Christians in the country, describing such allegations as part of a misleading campaign. This campaign aims to prompt foreign governments to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to perceived violence against Christians. This response came through a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry.
The context of this statement emerged from reports of the United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, which authorized sanctions against Nigeria following claims of widespread killings of Christians and escalating religious violence. This decision followed a congressional hearing wherein lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction over the Nigerian government’s perceived inaction in safeguarding Christian communities from ongoing attacks.
A report presented during the hearing indicated that Nigeria accounts for 90 percent of the global fatalities of Christians each year. Between October 2019 and September 2023, over 55,000 individuals were reportedly killed, and approximately 21,000 were abducted by various terrorist groups. While acknowledging these severe security challenges, the ministry maintained that these incidents are not necessarily driven by religious bias but are primarily related to criminality and insurgent activities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the violence occurring in the predominantly Muslim northern region of Nigeria is not specifically directed towards any religious group. The ministry cautioned against narratives that depict these security issues as rooted in religious persecution, classifying such representations as erroneous and misleading.
Further, the ministry reiterated Nigeria’s identity as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, underscoring the government’s commitment to the safety of all its citizens, irrespective of their faith or ethnicity. The ministry highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle security threats, including military engagements against insurgents and initiatives to resolve communal conflicts.
Efforts made by the Nigerian government include significant military operations aimed at reducing the activities of bandits and insurgents, as well as actions taken to improve community relations between farmers and herders. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, initiatives have been introduced to advance both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address the nation’s security challenges.
The ministry also called on the international community to substantiate any claims before making statements that could potentially inflame tensions within Nigeria. It urged various stakeholders, including media outlets, civil society organizations, and foreign partners, to avoid disseminating unverified information, stressing the importance of maintaining national unity and stability.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, while also welcoming sincere international support in addressing its security issues. It resolutely rejected any efforts that misrepresent the country or foster discord among its peoples, reiterating the necessity of cautious engagement with information pertaining to Nigeria’s situation.
In summary, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vehemently denied claims of targeted killings of Christians and attributed the violence in the northern region to criminality and insurgency rather than religious bias. The government emphasizes its commitment to the safety of all citizens, irrespective of their faith and continues to engage in military and community efforts to combat security threats. The ministry urges the international community to verify information regarding Nigeria to avoid exacerbating tensions and misrepresenting the nation’s multi-religious fabric.
Original Source: punchng.com
