US Raises Alarm Over Christian Killings in Nigeria, Warns of Possible Foreign Intervention
By Ekanem ASUQUO
United States President, Donald Trump, has voiced deep concern over what he describes as rising attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, warning that the situation poses an “existential threat” that may attract foreign intervention if not urgently addressed.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social account on Friday and shared by the White House on X, President Trump alleged that thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria, accusing “radical Islamists” of carrying out what he termed “mass slaughter.”
He announced the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a label the U.S. reserves for nations identified as breaching religious freedom in severe and systematic ways. According to him, the designation “is the least of it,” signalling that stronger measures could follow.
Although he referenced figures claiming that 3,100 Christians were killed in Nigeria out of 4,476 recorded worldwide, the post did not indicate the source or period of the data. Trump stressed that the scale of violence demands an urgent and coordinated global response.
Orders Congressional Review
To trigger official U.S. action, President Trump directed key lawmakers to investigate the matter and recommend immediate steps. He specifically named Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Tom Cole, to review the issue and report back.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and in numerous other countries,” he stated.
Hints at Tougher Foreign Policy Approach
President Trump suggested that the protection of Christian minorities across the world will be a frontline priority of his administration’s foreign policy. He concluded with a strong indication that the U.S. may intervene if necessary, saying the country “stands ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”
His declaration is expected to elicit a diplomatic response from Abuja and could reshape the direction of U.S.-Nigeria relations, particularly in the areas of security, counter-terrorism cooperation and religious freedom.
