FG Slams US Over ‘One-Sided’ Religious Report, Says We’re Fighting Terror, Not Christians

The Federal Government has rejected claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, describing a recent report presented before the United States Congress as biased.

This follows testimonies by Catholic Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Reverend Father Remigius Ihyula before the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, where they said Christian communities in Benue State were being killed, displaced, and systematically targeted. They also alleged an “Islamisation” agenda, accusing the government of inaction.

“They steal and vandalise, they kill and boast about it, they kidnap and rape, and they enjoy total impunity,” Bishop Anagbe told US lawmakers, noting that perpetrators were not arrested.

The US Mission in Nigeria expressed concern over alleged threats against the clergymen, stating: “No one should be subject to threats for exercising that right.”

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said such claims oversimplify Nigeria’s security issues and may worsen religious tensions.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the ministry, said the testimonies misrepresented facts.

“It is inaccurate and unfair to suggest that the Nigerian government has allowed violence to escalate unchecked. The country is grappling with multiple security threats – from terrorism and banditry to organized crime – and these challenges cut across religious and ethnic lines,” Ebienfa said.

He dismissed the “Islamist extermination” narrative, adding that the government aims to protect all citizens.

The ministry said reports of threats against religious leaders would be investigated.

The US is facing renewed calls to re-list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over religious freedom violations—a designation removed in 2021.

Bishop Anagbe and Reverend Ihyula support Nigeria’s return to the CPC list, saying it might pressure the government into action and reduce the weapons inflow driving violence.

According to Open Doors International, Nigeria accounted for over 3,100 of the 4,476 Christians killed worldwide in 2024, placing it seventh globally in Christian persecution.

Despite this, the Federal Government said it is addressing insecurity broadly and urged international partners not to adopt divisive narratives.

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