The United States has once again designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, citing allegations of widespread violence and genocide against Christians.
The announcement, made on Friday by former US President Donald Trump, follows growing international debate over religious persecution in Nigeria.
Trump, in a post shared on his official social media account, claimed that Christianity was under “an existential threat” in Nigeria, alleging that “radical Islamists” were behind the killings of thousands of Christians.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump stated. “Nigeria is now officially designated as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like this, something must be done.”
He also urged Congressman Riley Moore, alongside Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately investigate the matter and provide a detailed report.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other nations,” Trump added. “We stand ready and able to protect our Christian population across the world.”
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The move follows Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, where he expressed solidarity with Gaza — a stance that reportedly intensified criticism from some Western groups.
Meanwhile, several observers, including a Vatican Cardinal, have dismissed the genocide narrative, insisting that both Christians and Muslims have suffered equally from Nigeria’s persistent insecurity challenges, particularly in the North.
Nigeria’s government is yet to issue an official response to the US designation.
More details to follow…