President Trump on Friday denounced what he described as an “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria, accusing radical Islamists of orchestrating widespread violence against the religious minority. “Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump stated, citing figures that place Nigeria among the most dangerous regions for Christians globally.
The president declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and urged Congress to take immediate action. “When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done,” Trump said. He directed Congressman Riley Moore, along with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate the crisis and report back.
Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) echoed Trump’s call, stating that over 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria this year alone, with hundreds more kidnapped, tortured, or displaced by extremist groups like Boko Haram. Moore highlighted reports indicating 19,100 Christian churches destroyed since 2009 and alleged Nigerian government complicity in the violence. He urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to restore Nigeria’s “Country of Particular Concern” designation, which was rescinded under the previous administration.
Moore emphasized that Nigeria has become “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” citing specific incidents such as a priest kidnapped and murdered on Ash Wednesday and 54 Christians martyred on Palm Sunday. He called for U.S. intervention, including suspending arms sales to Nigeria until the government addresses the persecution.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson dismissed claims of systematic Christian violence as “careless rhetoric,” asserting that terrorism in the country targets all communities. Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz reiterated allegations of over 50,000 Christian deaths since 2009, a figure denied by Nigerian officials.
The U.S. State Department has previously expressed concern over Nigeria’s escalating violence against Christians and other groups, though no official action was outlined in the text.