The Nigerian government has dismissed allegations that Christians are being deliberately attacked in the country.
This response comes after reports suggested that the United States might impose sanctions on Nigeria due to alleged religious violence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described these claims as misleading, stating that they are part of an attempt to pressure foreign governments into labeling Nigeria as a nation hostile to religious freedom.
The ministry insisted that while the country faces security challenges, these issues are not based on religious discrimination.
The controversy began after the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa discussed the matter, with some lawmakers expressing concerns over the Nigerian government’s handling of violence affecting Christian communities.
A report from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa was cited, claiming that Nigeria accounts for the majority of Christian killings worldwide each year.
According to the report, more than 55,000 people were killed and over 21,000 abducted in Nigeria between October 2019 and September 2023.
Despite these figures, the Nigerian government argued that most of the violence in the northern part of the country is linked to criminal activities, banditry, and insurgency rather than religious persecution.
The ministry stated that attacks in the region are not directed at any particular religious group and warned against misinformation that could create unnecessary divisions.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity, saying efforts have been made to deploy security forces and intelligence operations to combat insurgents and criminals.
Authorities also pointed to initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts, including those between farmers and herders.
The statement urged the international community to verify reports before drawing conclusions, stressing that Nigeria remains a diverse nation where people of different faiths coexist peacefully.
The government also called on the media and civil society groups to avoid spreading unverified claims that could increase tensions.
Nigeria reassured the global community of its dedication to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
While the government welcomed international cooperation in addressing security concerns, it firmly rejected any attempt to misrepresent the country or cause division among its people.
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