The Federal Government has rejected allegations that Christians are being killed in Nigeria.
United States Senator Ted Cruz had accused the Nigerian government of enabling a “massacre” against Christians, citing an increase in attacks on the community across the country’s central region.
Cruz stated that he had introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act to the US Senate, which seeks to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials allegedly complicit in such acts.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the allegations as “ignorant, false and baseless.”
“This is not true. It does not reflect the reality on the ground. It’s false to claim that over 20,000 churches have been burned or that 52,000 Christians have been killed,” Idris said.
“Where did he get those figures from? This is absolutely absurd and not supported by any evidence whatsoever. The Nigerian government rejects these claims.”
He stressed that no Nigerian official or institution supports or collaborates with violent extremists in any form.
“No Nigerian official would willingly or deliberately align with violent extremists to target any religious group. That assertion is completely false,” he stated.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to religious freedom, Idris said: “Nigeria is a multi-faith nation, home to Christians, Muslims, and even those who do not identify with either faith. It is a tolerant society, and the government remains dedicated to protecting religious freedom across the country.”
He, however, acknowledged the ongoing challenge of violent extremism, noting that it affects Nigerians of all faiths.
“It is sadly true that extremists have killed both Christians and Muslims in areas affected by insurgency. But it is wrong to suggest there is a deliberate effort to target one religion. That claim is false and deeply unfortunate,” he added.
The Minister reiterated that the Federal Government remains committed to combating terrorism and banditry nationwide and will continue to protect all Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity.