Fatimah Otunsanya
The Federal Government has rejected remarks by United States President Donald Trump alleging widespread killings of Christians in the country and declaring Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued on Saturday morning by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the claims do not reflect the situation 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.’
“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the ministry said.
The government noted that while it “appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom,” the allegations were inaccurate.
Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the statement continued, Nigeria “remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.”
The ministry emphasised that Nigeria 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.”
On Friday night, Trump announced in a Truth Social post later shared on the White House’s X handle that he had designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing what he described as an existential threat to Christianity in the country.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. 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,” Trump said.
Citing alarming figures, the US president added, “When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!”
Trump called on key members of Congress to take immediate action.
“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me,” he said.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.