Nigerian government tackles Trump over claim of widespread attacks on Christians

The Nigerian Government has dismissed remarks by United States President Donald Trump accusing Nigeria of mass killings of Christians and labelling the nation a “Country of Particular Concern.”

In a statement released on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the comments do not represent the current realities in the country.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’

“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the ministry said.

The statement added that while Nigeria appreciates international concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations were inaccurate.

It further noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria remains committed to combating terrorism, fostering interfaith unity, and safeguarding the rights and lives of all citizens.

The ministry stressed that the country would continue to work closely with the United States to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation on peace and security issues.

Trump had, on Friday night, announced via Truth Social—later shared on the White House’s X handle—that Nigeria had been designated a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing what he described as an existential threat to Christianity.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.

“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of particular concern’ — But that is the least of it,” Trump said.

He claimed alarming figures of violence against Christians, saying,
“When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!”

Trump also called on key members of Congress to take swift action.

“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me.

The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.
“We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the world!”

Last month, US lawmaker Riley Moore urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take diplomatic measures against what he described as the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria, adding that the country had become “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.”

Moore further recommended suspending arms sales to Nigeria until the government proves its commitment to ending the violence.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in an interview with CNN earlier in the week, dismissed claims that terrorists in Nigeria specifically target Christians.

“Some of the claims made by some officials of the United States are based on faulty data and some assumptions that the victims of this violence are largely Christians.
“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion. They target Christians. They also target Muslims. We have seen that especially in the northern part of the country,” Idris stated.