UPDATE: President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to the Nigerian government, suggesting potential military intervention to combat the ongoing massacre of Christians in the country. In a statement released on October 17, 2023, Trump declared, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing.’”
This urgent declaration follows a wave of violence targeting Christian communities in Nigeria, where reports indicate that at least 7,000 Christians have been murdered just this year, an alarming rate of approximately 35 deaths per day. Trump’s remarks come as Republican Rep. Riley Moore of West Virginia amplifies concerns about a systematic campaign of persecution, pointing to the complicity of the Nigerian government in these atrocities.
In his passionate appeal, Moore revealed shocking statistics: “There have been 50,000 to 100,000 murdered Christians in Nigeria. This is an astounding number nobody is talking about. It’s genocidal numbers.” He emphasizes that “Nigeria has become the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” urging the U.S. to take immediate action to protect vulnerable communities.
Trump’s assertion that he is instructing the Department of War to prepare for possible action raised eyebrows. He stated, “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”
In a recent video, Moore highlighted the dire situation, claiming that “the government in Nigeria is complicit in the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Christ.” He has called for Nigeria to be officially designated as a “country of particular concern,” which could jeopardize U.S. aid.
In response to Trump’s threats, Nigerian officials have vowed to combat extremism but have denied the characterization of the violence as genocide. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated, “For the avoidance of any doubt… there is no genocide, now or ever, in Nigeria.”
This developing situation has drawn international attention, particularly given the contrasting approaches of past U.S. administrations. During his first term, Trump placed Nigeria on a watchlist for its actions against Christians, which was later revoked by former President Joe Biden.
As tensions escalate, the world watches closely. The urgency for a resolution is palpable as reports of violence continue to emerge. Moore has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to act decisively to protect Christians facing persecution in Nigeria.
The implications of Trump’s statements may shift U.S. foreign policy, making the situation in Nigeria a key focus in the coming days. As this story unfolds, developments will be closely monitored, with many hoping for a swift response to the humanitarian crisis at hand.
Stay tuned for more updates as authorities respond to these urgent calls for action.
