President Bola Tinubu’s admininstration, on Friday, faulted the claim that Christians were being targeted for killing in Nigeria, stating that the narrative was the work of fifth columnists who want Nigeria to be designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the international community.
The rebuttal was made in a statement issued by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Also reacting to the development, former Interior Minister and a retired Military General, Abdulrahman Dambazau, countered claims made by the US Congress regarding the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, noting that Muslims, particularly in the North, are disproportionately affected by the ongoing security crisis.
Meanwhile, the remarks came in response to United States Congressional hearings and potential sanctions authorised by President Donald Trump, which were prompted by reports of increased killings of Christians in Nigeria.
In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over what it described as misleading reports, staying, “While the federal government acknowledges the security challenges confronting the nation, it is imperative to clarify that these negative activities are not driven by religious bias, nor targeted against any particular religious group.”
The ministry stressed that insurgency and banditry in predominantly Muslim northern Nigeria do not single out any faith for attack. It added that portraying the situation as Christian persecution is “erroneous and misleading.”
The federal government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender, and stressed that the country’s security issues are complex, involving criminal activities, terrorism, and communal clashes—including farmer-herder conflicts—which are not rooted in religious discrimination.
The statement further highlighted efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackle insecurity, including the deployment of security forces, intelligence operations, and community engagement strategies. It noted progress made in curbing banditry and insurgency and the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development to address tensions between farmers and pastoralists.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to verify information before drawing conclusions that could inflame tensions within Nigeria.
“We call on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners, to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.”
