United States (U.S.) President, Donald Trump, has again doubled down on his strong criticism of the Nigerian government over what he described as the “genocide” against Christians in the country.
Speaking over the weekend on a conservative radio programme which was later highlighted by Conservative television network, Fox News, Trump claimed that thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria and accused the government of failing to curb extremist violence.
The U.S. President reiterated his administration’s earlier designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution, saying Washington may take further action if the situation does not improve.
“Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace,” Trump said during the interview. “They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it.”
He warned that the US could cut off aid to Nigeria, citing American financial support to the country.
“We give a lot of subsidies to Nigeria. We’re going to end up stopping,” he added.
Trump also repeated his threat of possible military intervention against Islamist militant groups if the Nigerian government “does not do more” to protect Christian communities.
Trump spoke even as a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, are in the U.S. visiting American top officials. The delegation on Thursday met with American Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth later disclosed that discussions centred on working closely with the Nigerian government to end “jihadists terrorists” “horrific violence against Christians in their country.”
The Ribadu-led team had on Wednesday met with Congressman Riley M. Moore, one the leading voices against alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Members of the delegation include Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN; Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye; Special Adviser to ONSA Idayat Hassan; Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani; Acting CDA, Embassy of Nigeria, Ambassador Nuru Biu; and Paul Alabi of the Embassy’s Political and Economic Section.
