By Abiola Olawale
The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has swiftly rejected the United States’ recent designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” over alleged religious genocide, calling the claims “inaccurate and misleading.”
U.S President Donald Trump announced the redesignation on Friday, citing an “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria and blaming “radical Islamists” for what he described as a “mass slaughter” of Christians.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Friday.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the claims do not reflect the realities on the ground.
The statement reads in part: The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.
“Nigeria will 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.”
