The Federal Government has rejected the remarks of President Donald Trump of United States, who alleged widespread killings of Christians in the country and declaring Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Saturday through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the claims do not reflect the situation 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.’
“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 Federal Government also explained that while it appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations were inaccurate.
According to the statement, Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.
It stressed that the country would continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to strengthen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.
President Trump had announced in post that he had declared Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing what he described as an existential threat to Christianity in the country.
“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,” Trump said.
The US president called on key members of Congress to take immediate action.
“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” Trump added.
In a related development, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, called for stronger protection of vulnerable communities and greater accountability in addressing violence across the country.
DailyPost/Ibrahim Abiodun
