The Federal Government has rejected United States’ President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over claims of alleged ‘large-scale killings’ of Christians in Nigeria
The rejection was contained in a statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Saturday.
He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to tackling violent extremism driven by special interests across the Sahel region and emphasised that Nigeria, like America, celebrates its diversity.
“We mourn all victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they fight these cowardly foes. The Federal Government will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.
“Nigeria is a God-fearing country that respects faith, tolerance, diversity, and inclusion,” the statement noted.
In September, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, first dismissed the widespread claims of a Christian genocide in the country, describing them as “false, baseless, and divisive.”
“Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a campaign against one religion is inaccurate and harmful,” he said, noting that extremists target citizens of all faiths.
“Muslims, Christians, and even non-religious Nigerians have all suffered alike,” Idris added.
According to him, security forces have killed over 13,500 terrorists and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages since May 2023.
