No Christian genocide in Nigeria, government says - seeks cooperation while protecting sovereignty
Assalamu alaikum - Nigeria’s government has rejected claims that Christians are being singled out for genocide and says it would accept help from the United States to fight armed groups only if its territorial integrity is respected.
A Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that while any loss of life is tragic, the idea that only Christians are being targeted is incorrect. He said attacks have affected people of different faiths and that the government does not sanction these killings. The spokesperson blamed terrorist groups like Boko Haram and IS-affiliated militants for much of the violence.
A presidency representative added that Nigeria would welcome U.S. support so long as it recognises the country’s sovereignty, and expressed hope that dialogue between leaders could improve cooperation against terrorism.
This follows a social media post by U.S. leadership threatening to cut off aid or consider military action over alleged persecution of Christians. Nigerian officials and analysts pushed back, saying the situation is more complex: while Christians have been victims, many victims are Muslim too, and experts warn that claims of a “Christian genocide” are misleading and risk increasing division.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s work to engage both Christian and Muslim leaders and to protect religious freedom for all. Observers say the priority should be practical support against armed groups, not unilateral intervention that undermines Nigerian authorities.
May Allah protect the innocent and guide leaders to work together to restore peace and security for all communities in Nigeria.
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