Nigeria Rejects US Senator Cruz’s Claims on Christian Killings

The Nigerian presidency has firmly rejected claims made by US Senator Ted Cruz regarding the alleged mass killings of Christians in Nigeria. In a statement issued on social media, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, characterized Cruz’s assertions as “malicious, contrived lies.” Cruz had suggested that Nigerian officials were complicit in the violence, stating that Islamist jihadists were conducting “mass murder of Christians” with the aid of state authorities.

Cruz’s remarks, made on the platform X, called for accountability for those he believes are enabling the violence. He stated, “Officials in Nigeria are ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists. It’s time to hold those responsible accountable.” He proposed the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, which aims to impose sanctions on these officials.

In response, Onanuga emphasized that Nigeria does not have a religious war and that the violence perpetrated by terrorists, including groups like Boko Haram, is indiscriminate. He wrote, “Senator, stop these malicious, contrived lies against my country. We do not have a religious war in my country.” He further asserted that the attacks by Boko Haram and other criminal groups target various groups, including farmers and soldiers, and that Christians are not specifically targeted.

Onanuga also highlighted the broader context of violence in Nigeria, indicating that bandits operating in the northwest have attacked worshippers in mosques, demonstrating that the violence does not have a singular religious focus. He underscored the notion of religious harmony in Nigeria, stating, “We have religious harmony in our country. Stop these malicious lies.”

President Tinubu echoed Onanuga’s sentiments during a recent address in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. He described the accusations of religious genocide as unfounded and reiterated that Nigeria’s strength lies in its cultural and religious diversity. The president remarked that after 65 years of independence, Nigerians have learned to appreciate their differences and coexist peacefully.

These statements from Nigerian officials come amid ongoing concerns over security in the country. While there have been reports of violence in various regions, the government maintains that the narrative of a religiously motivated genocide is inaccurate and damaging to the nation’s image.

The situation continues to draw international attention, particularly as it intersects with issues of religious freedom and human rights. As discussions evolve, the Nigerian government remains steadfast in its position that it is committed to addressing security challenges without sectarian bias.