ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria has rejected comments by United States President Donald Trump alleging widespread killings of Christians and designating the country a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued Saturday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the claims “do not reflect the situation on the ground.”
“The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria,” the statement reads. “These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.”
The government said while it values global advocacy for religious freedom, the allegations were “inaccurate and misleading.”
The ministry added that Nigeria will “continue constructive engagement with the United States to deepen mutual understanding on the country’s security realities.”
Trump, writing on Truth Social and amplified through official communication channels, claimed Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat,” alleging thousands have been killed by “radical Islamist actors.”
“When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered… something must be done,” he wrote, calling on US lawmakers to take action.
European Union officials this week also urged stronger protection for vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
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