Nigerian Govt Dismisses U.S. Claims of Religious Persecution
The Nigerian government has rejected claims by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria.
Trump stated that Nigeria would be added to the Department of State's list of "Countries of Particular Concern" due to extremist groups allegedly killing thousands of Christians.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Trump's claim as inaccurate and unreflective of the true security situation in Nigeria.
The ministry emphasized that religious freedom has not been impeded in Nigeria, and Christians have the freedom to practice their faith across the country.
This designation follows weeks of campaigns by Republican lawmakers for the U.S. to sanction Nigeria for allowing the "persecution of Christians."
Nigeria was first designated a CPC in 2020 under Mr. Trump's administration, but this tag was withdrawn in 2021 under the Joe Biden administration.
Author's summary: Nigeria rejects US claims of religious persecution.