Nigeria Dismisses Trump’s Allegations of Christian Persecution, Reaffirms Religious Harmony
The Nigerian Government has rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that Christians are facing an “existential threat” in the country, following his decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Trump made the announcement on Friday, citing alleged mass killings of Christians by radical Islamists and calling on U.S. lawmakers to investigate. “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed… I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN,’” he stated, urging Congressman Riley Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to look into the matter.
In response on Saturday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the claims do not reflect the reality on the ground.
“Nigeria notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” the ministry said.
The statement emphasized that Nigerians of all faiths have coexisted peacefully for decades. It also reaffirmed the government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the rights and lives of all citizens.
Nigeria further pledged to maintain constructive dialogue with the United States to enhance mutual understanding of the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.
