Nigeria Denies Allegations of Targeted Killings Against Christians
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies claims of targeted killings against Christians, attributing security challenges to complex factors rather than religious bias. The government assures the protection of all citizens and emphasizes the need for verified information from the international community while promoting national unity and religious tolerance.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed significant concern over misinformation regarding alleged targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. This misinformation appears to aim at persuading foreign governments, particularly the United States, to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) regarding violence against Christians.
The government acknowledges Nigeria’s security challenges yet stresses that such incidents are not motivated by religious biases or aimed at specific religious communities. The narrative suggesting a religious persecution aspect is deemed erroneous, as many of the incidents correlate with insurgency and banditry, particularly in the predominantly Muslim northern region, without targeting any specific faith.
As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, Nigeria’s government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens, irrespective of their faith, ethnicity, or gender. The nation grapples with complex security issues, including criminal activities and communal conflict, which are not fundamentally religious in nature, such as the farmer-herder clashes.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the government is proactively addressing these security challenges through the deployment of security forces, improved intelligence mechanisms, and community engagement. The military has achieved significant advancements against insurgents and bandits, deploying both kinetic and developmental strategies to mitigate threats, including the implementation of the National Livestock Plan.
In a bid to resolve land disputes contributing to conflicts, the government has established a Ministry of Livestock Development. A Special Adviser has been appointed to oversee livestock reforms aimed at sustainable pastoral farming practices, addressing root causes of communal tensions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the international community to verify information before reaching conclusions that may heighten tensions in Nigeria. It appeals to media, civil society, and foreign partners to avoid spreading unverified claims that could threaten national unity and stability.
Nigeria prides itself on being a symbol of religious tolerance and coexistence within Africa, seeking support and constructive dialogue from the international community to tackle security issues. However, it firmly counters any distortion of its situation or narrative, urging mutual respect and understanding among its citizens.
In summary, the Nigerian government firmly rejects claims of targeted killings against Christians, emphasizing that security challenges are complex and not driven by religious motivations. It advocates for verified reporting by the international community and maintains its commitment to national unity and religious tolerance while addressing security issues through comprehensive measures. The proactive steps include the establishment of new ministries and reform initiatives aimed at mitigating conflicts arising from communal tensions, reinforcing Nigeria’s dedication to preserving peaceful coexistence among its diverse population.
Original Source: nta.ng
