Nigerian Government Denies Targeted Killings of Christians Amid U.S. Claims

The Nigerian government denied U.S. claims of targeted violence against Christians, attributing assessed killings to broader criminal activities. There is concern over misinformation influencing international policy, amid renewed advocacy for sanctions against Nigeria. The government upholds its commitment to addressing security challenges affecting all citizens equally and calls for fair representation of the situation.

The Nigerian government has officially denied the United States’ allegations of targeted killings of Christians, attributing violence in the country to criminal activities, insurgency, and banditry rather than religious persecution. Acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressed concern over misinformation intended to pressure foreign governments into designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).

The government’s assertion follows a congressional hearing in which U.S. lawmakers expressed discontent with Nigeria’s perceived inaction to protect Christian communities. A report by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa indicated that Nigeria accounted for 90% of Christian deaths globally, while also citing over 55,000 killed and 21,000 abducted by terrorists from October 2019 to September 2023.

The Nigerian government counters these claims, emphasizing that the violence affects all citizens irrespective of religion. The ministry stated that the majority of incidents in the predominantly Muslim north are not driven by religious bias, labeling any notion of religious persecution as erroneous.

In response to security challenges, the Nigerian government has ramped up military operations and community engagement efforts. The ministry urged the international community to verify claims before making damaging statements, asserting Nigeria’s commitment to religious tolerance and coexistence.

The controversy escalates as U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Chris Smith, call for Nigeria’s reinstatement as a CPC, criticizing the Nigerian government for its inadequate response to religiously motivated violence. With pressure from various advocacy groups, the U.S. government faces calls for a firmer stance against Nigeria, while the Nigerian government maintains that security issues are broader and not specifically faith-based.

In conclusion, the Nigerian government has refuted allegations of targeted killings of Christians attributed to insurgency and banditry. The government emphasizes that security challenges affect all citizens alike and refutes any claims of state-sanctioned religious persecution. Additionally, the Nigerian leadership calls for international cooperation and accurate reporting while seeking to develop solutions to ongoing security issues. This dialogue aims to foster religious tolerance and coexistence in Nigeria amidst rising international scrutiny.

Original Source: saharareporters.com