By Abasi Ita
United States President, Donald Trump, has raised fresh concerns over what he describes as growing attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, warning that the situation poses an “existential threat” that requires urgent global intervention.
In a statement released on Friday via his Truth Social account and amplified by the White House on X, President Trump alleged that thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria, blaming “radical Islamists” for what he termed “mass slaughter.”
Trump said he is “hereby making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,” a designation generally used by the U.S. government for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom. He added that the designation “is the least of it,” suggesting that the U.S. may adopt further measures.
Although he cited figures indicating that 3,100 Christians were killed in Nigeria out of an estimated 4,476 global Christian deaths, Trump did not provide the source or timeframe for the data. He stressed that the scale of violence demands immediate action.
Directs Congress to Investigate
To prompt an official U.S. government response, President Trump directed key lawmakers to review the situation. He specifically asked Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Tom Cole, to investigate and report to him.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and in numerous other countries,” he declared.
Says U.S. Ready to Intervene Globally
President Trump also hinted at a broader foreign policy stance prioritising protection of religious minorities, particularly Christians, across the world. He concluded his statement with a pledge that the U.S. “stands ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”
The declaration is expected to trigger diplomatic reactions from Abuja and could shape future U.S.-Nigeria relations, especially on human rights, security cooperation and religious freedom.