FG denies U.S claim of crisis in Nigeria as an ‘Islamist extermination’ of Christians following testimonies delivered by two Nigerian religious leaders at Congressional hearing

Monday, April 14, 2025 - The Federal Government has rejected claims made in a social media post by the United States Embassy in Abuja and testimonies delivered by two Nigerian religious leaders at a U.S. Congressional hearing, describing them as inaccurate and misrepresentative of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address security and religious tensions.

In a press statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government responded to concerns raised by the U.S. Embassy post, which referenced testimonies given by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula on religious persecution in Nigeria.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes with concerns a recent social media publication by the United States Embassy, Abuja, regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the testimonies provided by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, on the unfortunate alleged threats that have arisen as a result of their testimonies at the U.S. Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.

“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplification of a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression, and association as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.”

The Ministry said it was “both inaccurate and unfair” to assert that the Nigerian government had “allowed the violence to escalate unchecked.”

“The government has consistently taken decisive actions, including deploying security forces to areas affected by communal violence, engaging in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders, strengthening intelligence operations to track down criminal elements, and implementing policies to address root causes, including land use reforms and economic development initiatives,” it said.

“It is important to state that, while challenges remain, it is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent. The reality is that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organized crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.”

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional rights, the statement added that the government remains fully dedicated to upholding “freedom of religion and freedom of expression, among other freedoms,” and would ensure that “any reports of threats or intimidation against religious leaders will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken.”

While acknowledging the concerns expressed during the congressional hearing, the Ministry rejected what it described as “the portrayal of the crisis as an ‘Islamist extermination’ of Christians.”

“Government will continue to prioritize the protection of the lives and property of its citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity while strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against insecurity.

“We therefore call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarization.”