The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted claims of targeted killings of Christians, asserting that the country’s security challenges are complex and not rooted in religious bias. The government emphasizes its commitment to protecting all citizens and calls for the verification of information from international stakeholders to avoid escalating tensions. Significant efforts are being made to address underlying issues contributing to communal conflicts.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed serious apprehensions regarding recent misinformation suggesting that Christians in the country are being targeted for violence. This narrative aims to influence external nations, especially the United States, into categorizing Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to alleged anti-Christian violence.
While the Nigerian government recognizes the security challenges the nation faces, it stresses that these issues are not rooted in religious discrimination. The majority of violent incidents, particularly in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim northern regions, are not directed against any specific religious group. Framing these occurrences as religious persecution is deemed incorrect and misleading.
The multifaceted nature of Nigeria as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country underlines the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens’ lives and properties, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or gender. The existing security challenges encompass various dimensions, including criminal activities, terrorism, and communal disputes, none of which are motivated purely by religion.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, significant actions have been taken to combat these security issues, including enhancing military deployment, intelligence gathering, and fostering community engagement. The Nigerian military has made substantial advancements in decreasing the activities of insurgents and bandits.
To mitigate security threats, the government has adopted diverse strategies, both kinetic and non-kinetic, and is expediting the implementation of the National Livestock Plan. This initiative aims to resolve the underlying land conflicts contributing to tensions between farmers and herders, which can lead to deadly clashes.
Additionally, a Ministry of Livestock Development has been created, and a Special Adviser has been appointed to oversee reforms in pastoral farming, thereby developing sustainable solutions to these longstanding conflicts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the global community to be mindful and verify facts before forming opinions or issuing statements that could heighten tensions in Nigeria. It appeals to all parties, including media outlets and civil society, to avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims that might destabilize national unity.
Nigeria prides itself on being a model of religious harmony in Africa and is dedicated to maintaining this legacy. The government remains open to productive dialogue and assistance from international partners to confront its security challenges while firmly rejecting any misrepresentation or attempts to create divisiveness among its populace.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government has firmly denied accusations of targeted killings of Christians, emphasizing that the existing security challenges are not religiously motivated. The government is taking considerable steps to ensure the protection of all citizens and to address underlying causes of communal conflict. The call for verification and responsible dissemination of information underscores the need for accurate narratives regarding Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.
Original Source: nta.ng
