The Federal Government has strongly rejected allegations by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz that Christians are being subjected to genocide and targeted killings in Nigeria.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, described the claims as “false, misleading, and not reflective of the realities on the ground.”

Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Idris dismissed Cruz’s assertion that over 20,000 churches had been burnt and 52,000 Christians killed as “absurd and unfounded.”

“No Nigerian official would ever deliberately side with violent extremists to target any religion,” he said.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, emphasising that the country’s multi-faith character promotes tolerance.

He, however, acknowledged that violent extremism affects Nigerians of all faiths. “It is untrue to suggest that any religious group is being systematically targeted,” he said.

Idris assured that security agencies remain committed to combating terrorism and banditry in all forms and to protecting every citizen without discrimination.