By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Federal Government has rejected recent claims by United States President Donald Trump, who alleged widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria and announced the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described the claims as false and not reflective of the reality in the country.
“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 statement read.
The ministry noted that while Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations were inaccurate. It added that under President Bola Tinubu, the government remains focused on combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting the rights of all citizens.
It further stated that Nigeria “will 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.”
Trump, in a post shared on his Truth Social platform and later on the White House’s X account on Friday night, had claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”
He added, “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of particular concern’ — But that is the least of it.”Trump also called on US lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to “immediately look into this matter, and report back.”
“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!” he declared.
Last month, Congressman Moore urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose diplomatic measures against what he called the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria, describing the country as “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.”
He also called for a suspension of arms sales to Nigeria until the government takes concrete steps to end the violence.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking to CNN earlier in the week, dismissed the allegations, saying they were based on inaccurate data.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Idris 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 for vulnerable communities and greater accountability in addressing violence across Nigeria.