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Nigeria” decoding=”async” fetchpriority=”high”>Examining the Allegations of Targeted Violence Against Christians in Nigeria
Majeed Dahiru, a respected analyst in public affairs, recently addressed the contentious issue of targeted attacks on Christian communities within Nigeria. He firmly rejected accusations that President Bola Tinubu harbors religious partiality or is complicit in the violence affecting these groups.
President Tinubu’s Approach to National Security
During a detailed discussion on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Dahiru highlighted the president’s proactive stance on security matters since taking office. He emphasized that Tinubu has not exhibited any form of religious prejudice or alignment with extremist Islamist factions.
“There is no credible evidence to suggest that President Tinubu supports religious bigotry or sympathizes with jihadist terror organizations,” Dahiru asserted.
Efforts to Combat Insurgency and Restore Stability
Dahiru pointed out that the administration has mobilized the military and various security agencies to confront insurgent groups and criminal gangs, aiming to bring peace to volatile regions. While acknowledging that attacks on Christians persist in certain areas, he noted measurable improvements in curbing terrorism and banditry nationwide.
“Criticism of the president is valid on many fronts, but accusing him of allowing or endorsing the killing of Christians is unfounded. As Commander-in-Chief, he is committed to protecting all citizens regardless of faith,” Dahiru explained.
Global Reactions and the Nigerian Government’s Position
The issue has attracted international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump describing the violence as a “mass slaughter” threatening the survival of Christianity in Nigeria. On October 31, Trump urged U.S. lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate these claims thoroughly. He designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to the alarming number of Christian casualties, citing figures of 3,100 deaths in Nigeria compared to 4,476 worldwide.
In response, Nigerian authorities have dismissed allegations of a targeted genocide against Christians. Officials maintain that security operations are focused on combating criminality without discrimination based on ethnicity or religion.
Contextualizing the Violence: Broader Security Challenges
It is important to recognize that Nigeria faces multifaceted security threats, including insurgency by groups like Boko Haram, widespread banditry, and communal clashes. According to the latest data from the Nigeria Security Tracker, over 5,000 fatalities related to violent conflicts were recorded in the past year, affecting diverse communities across the country.
Efforts by the government and international partners continue to focus on restoring peace and safeguarding all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
