By James
Kindly share:
The Federal Government dismissed claims by the United States, alleging widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria.
US President Donald on Friday redesignated the country a ‘country of particular concern’.
Writing via his Truth Social media platform, Trump explained that the redesignation followed claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Mr Trump stated. “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,” he wrote.
“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 that he had instructed lawmakers Riley Moore, R-W. Va., Tom Cole, R-Okla., and members of the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the situation and report back to him.
However, the President Tinubu-led administration denied the the allegations, saying they were inaccurate and did not reflect the reality 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’,” a statement on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for the foreign affairs ministry.
“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.”
It further noted that it “appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom,” but insisted that the allegations of persecution were “not supported by facts”.
According to the statement, Nigeria “remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people”.
It added that the Tinubu administration would “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”.
