The Federal Government, through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Saturday denied claims suggesting that Christians are being targeted or killed in Nigeria.
Fagbemi, who stated this at in Erin-Ile, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, insisted that no religious group was under persecution in the country.
“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. There is no persecution of any religion, sect or ethnic nationality.”
According to him violent attacks were not limited to any particular group or faith, stressing that states such as Zamfara and Sokoto, predominantly Muslim areas, have suffered repeated incidents of killings and banditry.
“Killings are happening in Zamfara, Sokoto and other Muslim-dominated areas. That is not to say the situation is okay, but it shows clearly that violence is not targeted at any religion,” the AGF said
While acknowledging the insecurity challenges, he insisted that the Federal Government was “winning the war against terrorism” and intensifying efforts to curb killings, banditry, and other forms of criminality nationwide.
“We should reject any insinuation that there is a Christian genocide in the country. The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that killings and banditry are nipped in the bud.”
He urged Nigerians to be patient with the government, noting current reforms were geared toward building a stronger foundation for national development.
“We all know the present situation is not rosy, but there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he stated.
His remarks statement came in the wake of claims by a United States lawmaker, Senator Ted Cruz, accusing Nigerian authorities of orchestrating genocide against Christians and allowing the destruction of thousands of churches.
Similarly, United States President, Donald Trump recently ordered the Pentagon to map out a possible plan of attack in Nigeria, after warning that Christianity was “facing an existential threat” in Africa’s most populous country.
