U.S. President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to reported killings of Christians. In a statement shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described the situation as an “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria, labeling the alleged killings as a “mass slaughter.”
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump stated, expressing that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.” He has directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the matter further.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’ When Christians or any group is slaughtered as is happening in Nigeria, something must be done!” he added, emphasizing the need for action.
FG Rejects Genocide Claims
In response to Trump’s declaration, the Nigerian Federal Government has dismissed claims of a systematic genocide against Christians as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.” Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris stated that portraying Nigeria’s security issues as a religious conflict is misleading.
Idris noted that extremists have targeted citizens of all faiths, asserting that Muslims, Christians, and non-religious Nigerians have all suffered from violence. He cited that security forces have killed over 13,500 terrorists and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages in recent months, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating terrorism.
U.S. Officials Dismiss Claims
On October 17, Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to President Trump on Arab and African Affairs, visited President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. He refuted claims of a targeted genocide, stating that terrorism affects individuals of all backgrounds. “Terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe,” Boulos remarked, acknowledging that extremist groups often attack Muslims more frequently than Christians.
Nigerian Senate Response
The Nigerian Senate has formed a 12-member ad-hoc committee to investigate international concerns regarding the alleged persecution of Christians. Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the committee to produce a fact-based position paper to guide Nigeria’s diplomatic response.
Christian Association of Nigeria Calls for Action
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reported numerous attacks on Christian communities resulting in loss of life. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh urged the government to take stronger measures to protect citizens and bring perpetrators to justice.
Idris reiterated that freedom of religion is guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution and called on international observers to be responsible in their reporting. He emphasized that the current heads of both the armed forces and the police are Christians, urging commentators to support Nigeria’s efforts in combating terrorism.
