Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has again denounced the recent comments by United States Senator Ted Cruz alleging genocide and targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria.
He described the claims “as false, misleading, and not reflective of the reality on the ground.”
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister responded to Cruz’s remarks made during an exclusive interview with US-based Fox News.
Responding specifically to the figures cited by Senator Cruz, Idris said: “This is not true. This is not the reflection of what is on the ground. I mean, it’s false where you say over 20,000 churches have been burned. It’s also false if you say 52,000 (Christians killed). Where did he get those numbers from? I think this is absolutely absurd. It’s not supported by any facts whatsoever. The Nigerian government rejects that.”
The Minister stressed that no Nigerian official or institution supports or colludes with violent extremists in any form.
“No Nigerian officials will willingly, deliberately indulge in the act of siding with violent extremists to target any particular religion in this country. This is absolutely false,” he said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and coexistence, saying, “Nigeria is a multi-faith country, meaning that it’s a country that has multiple religions. We have Christians, we have Muslims, and we even have those who don’t believe in any of these two religions. Nigeria is a very tolerant country. The government of Nigeria is committed to ensuring that there is religious freedom in this country.”
He, however, acknowledged the challenges of violent extremism that affect all Nigerians regardless of faith.
“It’s unfortunate, sadly, that some of these extremists have killed a number of Christians and several Muslims almost everywhere where this violent extremism has support. So, it’s not true. We find that to be very unfortunate. It’s despicable, it’s not right. This is absolutely false to say that there is a calculated or a deliberate attempt to kill a particular religious group; it’s not correct, and we find that really very, very unfortunate.”
The minister reiterated that the Federal Government of Nigeria is reassuring its citizens and the international community that the security forces remain committed to combating terrorism and banditry in all forms, and will continue to protect every Nigerian without discrimination.
