By Teddy Nwanunobi
Federal government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has denied claims of targeted killing of Christians, describing it as misleading and aimed at influencing foreign governments, particularly the United States, to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, CPC.
The ministry, in a statement signed yesterday by its Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that while the federal government acknowledges the security challenges in the country, these incidents are not religiously motivated or targeted at any particular faith group.
It emphasized that insurgency and banditry in the predominantly Muslim northern region are not directed at any specific religious community.
It would be recalled that US Congress reports had previously expressed concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria, leading to the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern in the past.
However, the federal government has consistently refuted such claims, asserting that the security challenges are complex and not rooted in religious persecution.
The ministry noted that Nigeria is a multiethnic and multireligious nation with a long history of peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths. It reaffirmed government’s commitment to protect all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender.
It explained that the ongoing security challenges stem from criminality, terrorism and communal clashes, particularly conflicts between farmers and herders that have been exacerbated by climate change, population growth and competition over land resources.
These issues, the statement emphasized, do not amount to systematic religious persecution.
The statement outlined the measures that President Bola Tinubu’s administration took to address security concerns, including deploying security forces across conflict-prone areas, enhanced intelligence gathering and cooperation between security agencies.
It also highlighted community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation.
While noting the progress made in curbing banditry and insurgency, the statement noted that recent military operations had significantly weakened criminal groups.
It maintained that implementing kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, combining military action with dialogue and economic reforms to address the root causes of insecurity.
According to the statement, as part of long-term efforts to resolve conflicts linked to land use, government has established a Ministry of Livestock Development and appointed a Special Adviser and Coordinator on Livestock Reforms to oversee sustainable solutions for pastoral farming.
This, it said, is crucial in reducing land disputes between farmers and herders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to verify information before making statements that could escalate tensions within Nigeria.
It called on the media, civil society organisations and foreign partners to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.
The statement also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to freedom of religion and interfaith harmony, adding that government would continue to work with religious leaders and stakeholders to promote peace.
“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa and is committed to preserving this heritage,” the statement read.
The ministry emphasized that while government welcomes constructive dialogue and support from the international community in addressing security challenges, it rejects any attempt to misrepresent the situation, distort narratives or sow division among Nigerians.
