Nigerian govt rejects Trump’s claims of genocide against Christians, ‘country of particular concern’ designation
The Nigerian Government has rejected President Trump’s claims of genocide against Christian population in the country and its attendant designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
This was issued in a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, wherein the Ministry stated that the claims are not a reflection of the actual situation.
The statement read: “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 statement said that while the Nigerian Government “appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom,” the allegations were inaccurate, as the Country “remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people”.
The statement added that in its quest to “deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the Country’s ongoing peace and security efforts”, Nigeria would “continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States”.
The US President Donald Trump had on Friday designated Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern’ in an announcement made via a Truth Social post and shared on X (formerly Twitter), in response to allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Sources say the United States declaring a country of particular concern, could imply that such a country engages in activities detrimental to the interests of the US or goes against the standards of universal human rights.
President Trump had written in the post: “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. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!
“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.
Stating that US was willing to save Nigerian Christians, as well as those of other countries from “atrocities”, the President had said: “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
Details soon…
