News
Tinubu’s Government Dismisses Trump’s Claim Of Christian Killings As “Inaccurate,” Says Religious Freedom Intact
Nigeria was previously placed on the CPC list in 2020 during Trump’s first term but was later removed by President Joe Biden’s administration in 2021.
Abuja, Nigeria- The Nigerian government has rejected claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that extremist groups are carrying out mass killings of Christians in the country, describing the statement as inaccurate and unreflective of Nigeria’s true security situation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Federal Government was aware of Trump’s remarks and his decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged genocidal attacks on Christians. The Ministry, however, insisted that religious freedom is not under threat in Nigeria.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by the U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” the statement read.
“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” it added.
The statement further emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to combating terrorism, fostering interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the rights and lives of all citizens.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people,” the Ministry stated.
It noted that the government will continue to engage constructively with the United States to enhance mutual understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges and ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
Trump, in a statement posted on his social media platform, had alleged that Nigeria faces an “existential threat” leading to the mass killing of Christians, directing that the country be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
The designation, reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, followed weeks of lobbying by Republican lawmakers over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Nigeria was previously placed on the CPC list in 2020 during Trump’s first term but was later removed by President Joe Biden’s administration in 2021.
