The federal government has linked the recent surge in killings across the nation to recent pronouncements made by the United States, saying they have emboldened opportunistic violent groups.
Rejecting what it called the “dangerous and inaccurate” Christian genocide narrative spearheaded by United States President Donald Trump, the Nigerian government stated the country does not need foreign troops on its soil.
Speaking in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the federal government said, “No credible international organisation has ever classified Nigeria’s security crisis as a genocide against Christians or any group.
“Across Nigeria, Christians and Muslims have been equally victimised. Boko Haram and ISWAP attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. Bandits target communities without any religious distinction.
“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets.
“Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry,” Akume said in the statement.
Credit: The Sun