The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy, has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim that the killing of Christians in Nigeria has largely ended.
The Christian leaders described Trump’s remarks as misleading, insisting that killings, kidnappings and attacks by terrorists and bandits continue across several parts of the country.
Speaking at an event in Washington on Friday, Trump claimed recent US military operations in Nigeria had significantly weakened insurgents by eliminating top commanders and bringing an end to attacks on Christian communities.
Reacting, CAN Chairman for the 19 Northern states and the FCT, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said only Nigerians, especially victims of insecurity, could determine whether the security situation had improved.
“The right people to say whether Trump’s intervention has made a difference are the victims themselves, not Trump. Nigerians are still being killed and abducted across different parts of the country,” Hayab said.
While acknowledging past US operations against terrorist groups, he maintained that the violence had not stopped, urging the United States to focus on providing meaningful support rather than making what he called political claims.
“We want genuine assistance that will help end the killings, not propaganda or misinformation. People are still being held captive and communities are still under attack,” he added.
Also reacting, the International Secretary of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy, Archbishop Osazee William, said there was no evidence that the reported US intervention had achieved the results claimed by Trump.
He stressed that Nigerians were still waiting for more effective efforts to tackle insecurity and protect vulnerable communities, urging both the Nigerian government and the international community to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.
