In a powerful rebuttal to circulating misinformation, Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, Festus Keyamo, has categorically denied claims of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. The minister's statement comes in response to an open letter addressed to former US President Donald Trump that contained what he describes as "false and misleading" allegations.
Setting the Record Straight
Minister Keyamo emphasized that the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu maintains a firm commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. "The claims of targeted killing of Christians in Nigeria are completely false and do not reflect the reality on ground," Keyamo stated in his response.
Government's Stance on Religious Freedom
The Minister highlighted that Nigeria remains a secular state where religious freedom is constitutionally guaranteed. He pointed to the government's ongoing efforts to combat insecurity affecting all Nigerians, stressing that security challenges in certain regions are not religiously motivated but rather criminal in nature.
Addressing International Misinformation
Keyamo's open letter serves as a direct response to what he terms "misinformation" being circulated internationally. The minister expressed concern that such false narratives could damage Nigeria's international reputation and create unnecessary religious tensions within the country.
Facts Versus Fiction
Contrary to the viral claims, Keyamo presented evidence of the government's balanced approach to security matters, noting that victims of various security challenges come from all religious backgrounds. He reiterated that the administration's security strategy focuses on protecting all citizens equally.
Call for Responsible Reporting
The Information Minister called on international media and political figures to verify information about Nigeria through official channels before amplifying unverified claims. He emphasized that spreading such misinformation could undermine the government's efforts to promote national unity and combat genuine security threats.
This strong denial from Nigeria's top information officer comes at a time when the country is working to improve its international image and attract foreign investment, making accurate representation of the security situation particularly crucial.
