Tension Rises as Trump Threatens Military Action Over Alleged Christian Killings — Atiku, Obi, Others Silent
Story: written by Danile November 3,2025
A wave of mixed reactions has greeted former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to launch a military intervention in Nigeria over alleged mass killings of Christians.
Trump had on Friday declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing what he described as an “existential threat” to Christians in the country. He also urged U.S. lawmakers to probe the reported “mass slaughter” of believers, warning that if Nigeria fails to curb the violence, American troops would intervene “with guns blazing.”
The controversial statement has sparked outrage and anxiety across Nigeria. While some citizens, especially within Christian communities, applauded Trump’s stance as a long-awaited defense of persecuted believers, others condemned it as a reckless and dangerous provocation against Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Government officials, Islamic clerics, and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have denied any ongoing genocide against Christians, arguing that insecurity in Nigeria affects people of all faiths. Many accuse Trump of using religion to score political or ideological points.
Notably, opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have remained silent on the issue, a move some analysts attribute to political caution ahead of the 2027 elections.
Public affairs analyst Moses Jibila said their silence was driven by fear of political backlash.
“They know this is a very delicate matter. If Atiku supports Trump, he risks losing Muslim support. If he denies Christian persecution, he angers the church. Obi and others are also treading carefully for the same reason,” Jibila explained.
This marks the second time Trump has placed Nigeria on the CPC list—the first being in 2020 before the designation was reversed by President Joe Biden’s administration.
The Country of Particular Concern status is a U.S. classification under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, reserved for nations accused of severe, state-tolerated violations of religious freedom. Countries like China, Iran, Pakistan, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia are also on the list.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu is expected to meet Trump “in the coming days” to discuss the issue.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, revealed that the meeting would likely take place “either at the State House or the White House,” expressing confidence that both leaders would resolve the tension diplomatically Promote Your Brand on SpringNewsNG Nigeria!
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