United States President Donald Trump has renewed his claim that Christians in Nigeria are facing widespread killings, describing the situation as an “existential threat” to the Christian faith in the country.
In a video posted on the White House’s official X handle on Wednesday, Trump alleged that “thousands and thousands of Christians” were being killed by what he referred to as “radical Islamists.” He said the scale of the violence demanded urgent attention from the U.S. government.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump said. “Thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”
Trump announced that he is formally designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a classification under U.S. law reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom or human rights.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a country of particular concern. That is a legal designation. When Christians or any group is slaughtered the way it is happening in Nigeria — something must be done immediately,” he stated.
The U.S. President urged Congress to act swiftly, directing Rep. Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the situation and report back to him without delay.
“What horrible numbers. Something has to be done. I am asking Congress to immediately look into this matter and report back to me — and I mean immediately,” Trump said.
He emphasized that the United States would not ignore alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria or elsewhere.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening. We are ready, willing, and able to protect our Christian communities around the world,” he added.
Trump had previously suggested he would consider deploying U.S. military resources if the alleged killings continued.
The Federal Government, however, has repeatedly denied claims of religious persecution. In a statement released on November 1, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a secular and democratic state where citizens are free to practice their faith.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” the statement said.
Tinubu added that the government has been engaging religious leaders across faiths to address insecurity affecting communities nationwide.
“The portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” he stated, arguing that religious coexistence remains a fundamental part of Nigeria’s identity.
Recall that prominent Plateau religious leader, Rev Ezekiel Dachomo, has cried out over the incessant violent attacks and killing of his church members in Barkin Ladi local government area of the state by suspected Fulani militants.
The clergy man said he has been forced and subjected to burying his members every other day.
