US President Donald Trump on Friday described Nigeria as “a disgrace,” accusing the federal government of failing to protect its citizens amid rising violence targeting Christians.
Speaking on Fox News Radio’s The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump said: “I think Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace. They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide. And I’m really angry about it.”
He added that the United States provides substantial subsidies to Nigeria, which he said may be halted due to the government’s perceived ineffectiveness. “The government’s done nothing. They are very ineffective. They’re killing Christians at will,” he said.
Trump’s remarks come as Nigeria faces escalating attacks by armed groups, bandits, and extremist fighters, including mass killings, kidnappings, and village raids.
On Friday, gunmen abducted 315 people — 303 students and 12 teachers — from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area, Niger State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that tactical police units, military teams, and other security forces had been deployed to the area.
The attack follows the abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, in which the school’s vice-principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed and a security guard, Ali Shehu, was injured.
Earlier this month, Trump threatened military action in Nigeria over what he called the persecution of Christians.