Nigeria Rejects Claims of Targeted Killings of Christians, Amid Rising Tensions
posted 14th March 2025
Nigeria Rejects Claims of Targeted Killings of Christians, Amid Rising Tensions
Abuja, 14 March 2025 The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a robust rebuttal to allegations of targeted killings of Christians in the country, describing such claims as "erroneous and misleading." In a statement released on Friday, the ministry, through Acting Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, urged the international community to exercise caution and verify information before drawing conclusions that could exacerbate tensions within Nigeria.
The government acknowledges the security challenges facing the nation but insists that these incidents are not driven by religious bias or targeted against any particular religious group. Notably, the ministry highlighted that the majority of insurgency and banditry-related incidents in the predominantly Muslim northern region of Nigeria do not specifically target followers of any faith or religion. Instead, the statement frames such narratives as attempts to misrepresent the situation and sow discord among the populace.
To counter the security threats posed by bandits and insurgents, both federal and state authorities have adopted a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including the expedited implementation of the National Livestock Plan. This initiative has led to the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development, complete with a Special Adviser and Coordinator of Livestock Reforms. The aim is to develop sustainable solutions for pastoral farming, resolving land disputes between farmers and pastoral herders, and addressing one of the root causes of communal conflicts.
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian government has taken significant steps to address these security concerns. These include the deployment of security forces, enhanced intelligence gathering, and community engagement initiatives.
Despite the government's assurances, the statement has sparked controversy, particularly in light of recent events and historical grievances. Critics, including some online commentators, have pointed to past incidents to challenge the official narrative. One such incident involves President Tinubu, who, during a previous crisis, reportedly made a sarcastic remark asking, "Where are the cows?" following the murder of the daughter of Chief Fasorati by Fulani herdsmen terrorists. This comment has been widely cited as evidence of insensitivity to the plight of affected communities.
Adding fuel to the debate, reports from various sources claim that more than 30 Christians have been murdered by Fulani herdsmen terrorists within the past week alone. These allegations, if verified, stand in stark contrast to the government's assertion of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The ministry has called on civil society organisations, foreign partners, and the media to refrain from disseminating unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.
Nigeria, described as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, remains committed to protecting the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or gender. The government emphasises that the country's security challenges are complex and multifaceted, manifesting in criminality, terrorism, and communal clashes—including farmer-herder conflicts—that are not rooted in religious motivations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed constructive dialogue and support from the international community to address these issues. However, it strongly rejects any attempts to distort the narrative or frame the situation as a religious persecution.
As the debate intensifies, voices on social media, including the hashtag #Damn, reflect growing frustration. One user remarked, "History shall vindicate the just," suggesting a belief that time will reveal the truth behind the ongoing conflicts. The government’s call for stakeholders, including the media, to verify information before making statements underscores the delicate balance Nigeria seeks to maintain amidst these challenges.
The situation remains fluid, with the international community and local populations closely watching how the government addresses both the security threats and the narratives surrounding them.
