United States President, Donald Trump, has accused Nigeria of committing genocide against Christians, alleging that the faith faces an existential threat in the country.
Trump made the allegation in a statement posted on his social media account on Friday, claiming that thousands of Christians were being killed by what he called “radical Islamists.”
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” he said.
He also announced that Nigeria had been redesignated as a “country of particular concern” under his administration due to persistent violence targeting Christians.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — but that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like what is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!” Trump added.
The U.S. president disclosed that he had directed Congressman Riley Moore, alongside House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate the matter and report back to him.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries,” he said, adding that his administration stood ready to protect “our great Christian population around the world.”
The latest comment came after Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, expressed support for Gaza during the last United Nations General Assembly — a move that reportedly drew global attention to religious tensions in Nigeria.
However, several international figures, including a Vatican Cardinal, have faulted Trump’s position, insisting that both Christians and Muslims are victims of insecurity and terrorism in the country.
Details later…