The Nigerian government denies U.S. allegations of targeted killings of Christians, asserting that violence is due to criminality and banditry. It insists that security challenges affect all citizens regardless of faith. The government emphasizes its commitment to protecting all individuals and urges the international community to verify claims to avoid escalating tensions.
On Friday, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by acting spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, refuted allegations from the United States regarding targeted killings of Christians, asserting that violence in Nigeria is predominantly a result of criminality and banditry rather than religious persecution. The government criticized these allegations as part of a misleading narrative intended to influence the U.S. and other foreign governments to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
The response from the Nigerian government was prompted by a congressional hearing by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, where lawmakers voiced their frustrations about the government’s failure to protect Christian communities from violence. A report cited during the hearing claimed that Nigeria was responsible for 90 percent of global killings of Christians each year. Between October 2019 and September 2023, it was reported that over 55,000 people were killed and 21,000 abducted by terrorist groups, contributing to the characterization of Nigeria as a “killing field of defenceless Christians” by Genocide Watch.
In light of these claims, the Nigerian government maintained that security issues affect all citizens, regardless of faith, emphasizing that violence primarily occurs in the predominantly Muslim north but is not directed against any particular religious group. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “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.”
The statement further reinforced Nigeria’s dedication to protecting all citizens, detailing government actions addressing security concerns, including deploying security forces and engaging with communities to resolve conflicts. The ministry urged international stakeholders to verify allegations prior to making statements that could exacerbate tensions.
The controversy comes amid calls from U.S. lawmakers, such as Representative Chris Smith, to restore Nigeria’s CPC designation. Smith has criticized the Nigerian government for not sufficiently addressing religious persecution, highlighting that the Constitution enshrines religious freedom as a fundamental human right. Despite increasing pressure from advocacy groups, the Nigerian government firmly denies that religious persecution is state-sponsored, asserting that the nation’s challenges are multifaceted and not grounded in religious issues.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government refutes U.S. claims of targeted killings against Christians, arguing that violence stems from broader security issues rather than religious persecution. The government underscores its commitment to protecting all citizens and urges verification of claims from the international community. This ongoing controversy reflects a larger dialogue about religious freedom and state responsibility amidst rising international scrutiny of Nigeria’s handling of security crises.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
