Our Stance on Christian Genocide Hasn’t Changed, No Matter the Challenges — Nigerian Govt

The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is capable of addressing the country’s ongoing security challenges.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Idris highlighted measures already implemented by the government to tackle insecurity and provide updates to citizens and the international community.

He referenced recent incidents, including the killing of a high-ranking Army General, the abduction of students in Kebbi State, and an attack on a church in Kwara State, stressing that these tragedies have strengthened the administration’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.

“As you are all aware, President Tinubu has postponed his international engagements, including the G20 Summit in South Africa, to focus on developments within Nigeria,” Idris said.

He added that the President has directed the military and police to increase security presence in Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima, on the President’s directive, is in Birnin Kebbi to meet with the state Governor, security officials, traditional rulers, and families of the abducted schoolgirls. The VP’s entourage includes APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr. Bernard Doro, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar.

Idris stressed that the President has placed the nation’s security agencies on “the highest alert ever,” mandating them to actively pursue terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements nationwide and to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls.

The Minister also addressed concerns about framing the nation’s security challenges in religious terms, stating that such characterizations are “factually inaccurate” and “dangerously counterproductive” to national unity. He noted that terrorism, banditry, and criminality affect all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and emphasized that Nigeria is a multi-faith nation where freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed.

“The abducted Kebbi schoolgirls will be rescued and safely returned to their families,” Idris assured, reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining national unity amid the security challenges.