The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described a report in the media by
the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for
International Freedom of Religion or Belief, on the herders-farmers
conflict in Nigeria as misleading.
Ekwi Ajide of our Abuja Bureau reports that the Ministry in a
statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Ferdinand Nwonye, described
the fifty six-paged report by the APPG, which according to him, is an
informal cross-party group with no official status within the UK
Parliament, said the report titled: “Nigeria-Unfolding Genocide?”
falsely claimed that the escalating conflict between Fulani herders
and farmers in Northern Nigeria is manifested along ideological lines,
with violence primarily targeted at Christians in the North.
The statement noted that the conclusion is a deviation from the truth
and unnecessary exaggeration that intends to create bad blood among
members of dominant faiths in the country.
The Ministry therefore, urged citizens and relevant stakeholders to
disregard the controversial report since the group had issued a
disclaimer in the report under reference, affirming that it is not an
official publication of the House of Commons or the House of Lords.
The statement further noted that as it has not been approved by either
House or its committees. All-Party Groups are informal groups of
Members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues
therefore, the views expressed in the report are those of the Groups.
The Ministry assured Nigerians and members of the international
community that the Government of Nigeria acknowledges the negative
impact of terrorist and bandit attacks in the country and is committed
to ensuring the protection of lives and properties of all citizens.
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