President Bola Tinubu’s administration has dismissed claims by President Donald Trump, alleging widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria and designating the country a ‘country of particular concern’.
The Nigerian government described the allegations as inaccurate and unreflective of the reality on the ground.
“The federal government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’,” said a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson for the foreign affairs ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the ministry said.
The Nigerian government noted that while it “appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom,” the allegations of persecution were “not supported by facts”.
The ministry said Nigeria “remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people”.
It further noted that the Tinubu government would “continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts”.
Mr Trump had, on Friday, via his Truth Social media platform, revealed that in response to claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, he had redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Mr Trump stated. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — But that is the least of it.”
Mr Trump further noted that he had directed lawmakers Riley Moore, R-W. Va., Tom Cole, R-Okla., and members of the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the situation and report their findings to him.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World,” Mr Trump said.
