TRUMP THREATENS ATTACKS ON NIGERIA OVER ‘KILLING OF CHRISTIANS’
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked global outrage after threatening to launch attacks on Nigeria over what he described as “the killing of Christians.” In a fiery post on Saturday, Trump claimed he had instructed the U.S. “Department of War” to prepare for possible action if the Nigerian government fails to stop the alleged violence.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!” Trump wrote.
He also announced that Nigeria could be added to the U.S. list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for alleged religious persecution.
However, experts and human rights groups have dismissed Trump’s claims as misleading. Nigerian analyst Bulama Bukarti described Trump’s statement as “a dangerous far-right narrative,” emphasizing that there is no evidence of Christian genocide in Nigeria, as attacks by armed groups often target both Muslims and Christians.
Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations urged the U.S. to assist Nigeria in tackling insecurity rather than threatening invasion, saying such an action would be “counterproductive.”
The Nigerian government has condemned Trump’s remarks, reaffirming its commitment to protecting citizens of all faiths. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stressed that Nigeria “opposes religious persecution” and remains dedicated to upholding freedom of religion.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa echoed that sentiment, assuring that “the Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.”
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express anger, fear, and disbelief over Trump’s threat, urging calm and unity.