The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has debunked reports claiming targeted killings of Christians in the country.
Expressing strong concern over the recent wave of misinformation and misleading reports, a statement by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, said the unfortunate development is intended to influence foreign governments, especially the United States Government, to designate Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern (CPC), due to the violence against Christians."
While the Federal Government acknowledges the security challenges confronting the nation, the statement said it is imperative to clarify that "these negative activities are not driven by religious bias, nor targeted against any particular religious group."
It went on "It should be noted that the majority of incidents relating to insurgency and banditry that occur in the predominantly Muslim northern part of Nigeria are not targeted at followers of a particular faith or religion.
"Any narrative that seeks to give such incidents a coloration of religious persecution is erroneous and misleading.
"Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation and the government remains committed to protecting the lives and properties of all citizens, irrespective of faith, ethnicity, or gender.
"The security issues in Nigeria are complex and multifaceted and manifest as criminality, terrorism and communal clashes – including farmer/herder confrontation, that do not have any religious connotation.
"The government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken significant steps to address these security concerns, including the deployment of security forces, intelligence gathering and community engagement initiatives. Indeed, the military has recorded substantial gains in curtailing the activities of bandits and insurgents."
To bring an end to such security challenges, it said, both the Federal and State authorities have embarked on kinetic and non-kinetic methods and expedited the implementation of the national livestock plan.
"To this end, a Ministry of Livestock Development has been established while a Special Adviser and Coordinator of Livestock Reforms, has been appointed to find sustainable solutions to pastoral farming, with a view to end contestations over land, between farmers and pastoral herders.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, therefore, urges the international community to exercise caution and verify information before drawing conclusions or making statements that could exacerbate tensions within Nigeria.
"We call on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations and foreign partners, to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.
"Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa and is committed to preserving this heritage. We welcome constructive dialogue and support from the international community in addressing our security challenges.
"However, we strongly reject any attempts to wrongly designate the country, distort the narrative, or sow seeds of discord among our people." the statement stated