The Federal Government has dismissed comments by United States President Donald Trump alleging widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria and designating the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued early Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, the government said Trump’s claims were not an accurate reflection of Nigeria’s reality.
“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.
While acknowledging international interest in human rights and religious freedom, the government stressed that the allegations were misleading. According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu’s administration “remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.”
The ministry added 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.”
Daily Times reported that Trump’s comment was made on Friday night in a post on Truth Social, later shared on the White House’s X handle, where he announced Nigeria’s designation. He claimed Christians in the country faced extreme danger.
“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,” he wrote.
Trump also cited death toll figures to support his claim, saying, “When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!”
He urged the U.S. legislature to act swiftly. “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 stated, adding that “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.”
The Nigerian government, however, insists the assertion of targeted Christian persecution is unfounded and reiterates its commitment to national security and religious harmony.