United States President Donald Trump has redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’.
Trump announced his decision in a Truth Social post on Friday in response to allegations of a Christian genocide in the country.
He wrote: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. 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.
“When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done! I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me.
“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!”
US Senator Ted Cruz accused Nigerian officials of “ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists,” pledging to hold them accountable through a religious freedom bill he introduced to Congress in September.
US Congressmen Riley Moore and Chris Smith have called for Nigeria to be redesignated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious repression and even comedian Bill Maher has weighed in, alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
But Nigerian authorities have continued to deny the allegation of Christian persecution.
At different occasions, senior government officials have dismissed the claims.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said such assertions are misleading and not reflective of the country’s complex security realities.
Idris, who was on CNN on Tuesday night clarified that the right to freedom of religion is enshrined in the nation’s constitution.
The Minister also said that there is a renewed focus by the Tinubu administration towards addressing security challenges to guarantee the safety and well-being of all citizens.
“Some of the claims made by some officials of the United States are based on faulty data and some assumptions that the victims of this violence are largely Christians. Yes! There are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion. They target Christians. They also target Muslims. We have seen that especially in the northern part of the country,” he said.
Also, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international Community to disregard the allegation of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, saying it is unfounded.
The Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on the Ministry’s reaction to the genocide allegations, said it is nothing but a gross misrepresentation of the complex security situation and a dangerous oversimplification of the challenges the country is facing.
Ebienfa, in an exclusive interview, assured the international community the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to securing every inch of Nigerian territory and protecting every citizen.
He said that the security forces are doing everything possible to contain all forms of security threats.
He said: “I must state categorically that the allegations are false and baseless. The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally refutes these unwarranted allegations in their entirety. They represent a gross misrepresentation of the complex security situation in Nigeria and a dangerous oversimplification of the challenges we face as a nation. Such claims are not only false but are also irresponsible, as they threaten to undermine the unity, interfaith harmony, and national sovereignty of Nigeria.
“As you are aware, Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society where over 230 million people of diverse faiths, chiefly Christianity and Islam, have co-existed and thrived together for generations. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for every citizen. The Government remains steadfast in its duty to protect this right for all Nigerians, irrespective of their creed.
“The Ministry therefore calls upon the international community to disregard these unfounded allegations and to instead support Nigeria’s efforts in combating terrorism and banditry. Moreso, we urge our international partners to seek verified information from official channels and to engage in constructive dialogue with the Nigerian government.
“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious freedom and diversity in Africa. We are committed to fostering a society where all citizens can live in peace and practice their faith without fear. Therefore, we will not be distracted by those who seek to sow division and distrust for their own geopolitical or ideological ends.”
