The Federal Government has accused some United States lawmakers of relying on inaccurate and misleading data to allege a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this during an interview on CNN on Tuesday night, stressing that the claims do not reflect the complex nature of Nigeria’s security challenges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister reaffirmed that Nigeria remains committed to upholding religious freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and democracy.
Idris explained that while some Christians have been victims of attacks, the perpetrators are criminal elements who target both Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern region. He warned that portraying the violence as religious persecution only serves the interests of criminals seeking to sow division and provoke hostility among Nigerians.
“Some of the claims made by officials of the United States are based on faulty data and the assumption that victims of violence are largely Christians,” he said. “Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not target one religion — they attack both Christians and Muslims.”
The minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity and ensure the safety of all citizens. He also reiterated that freedom of religion is guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and must be respected by everyone.
Idris warned that framing insecurity as a religious conflict could deepen mistrust among citizens and undermine the country’s unity.
“It is wrong to describe Nigeria as a country that does not tolerate religious freedom,” he said. “Our country is indeed safe and remains a tolerant nation where people of different faiths coexist peacefully.”
While acknowledging the country’s ongoing security challenges, the minister maintained that the government is addressing them with renewed determination and comprehensive reforms.
