The federal government has refuted a report by the United States Embassy in Abuja, claiming that Christians in Nigeria have been systematically targeted for extermination and other forms of persecution by fundamentalist Islamists in the country.
Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a statement on Friday, descibed the report as misleading and oversimplified a deeply complex national security challenge facing the country.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes with concern a recent social media publication by the United States Embassy, Abuja, regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the testimonies provided by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, on alleged threats that have arisen as a result of their testimonies at the United States Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.
“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplify a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
“The assertion that the Nigerian government has “allowed the violence to escalate unchecked” is both inaccurate and unfair.
“The government has consistently taken decisive action, including; deploying security forces to areas affected by communal violence; engaging in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders; strengthening intelligence operations to track down criminal elements and implementing policies to address rootcauses, including land use reforms and economic development initiatives,” the statement said.
The federal government emphasised that while these challenges remain, it is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent.
It added the reality that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organised crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.
“The Nigerian government remains fully committed to upholding freedom of religion and freedom of expression, among other freedoms. Any report of threats or intimidation against religious leaders will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.
“The current administration values its partnership with the United States and other international allies in addressing security concerns, and therefore calls for caution against narratives that risk deepening religious divisions and misrepresenting the situation on the ground, but also enjoins well-meaning partners to join its efforts towards the maintenance of peace and security.”
The Federal Government restated it’s commitment to continually prioritising protection of the lives and property of its citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, while strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against insecurity.
“We therefore call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarisation,” the statement added.
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