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 rejected claims by Donald Trump that the killing of Christians in Nigeria has largely come to an end.
The Christian leaders described the remarks as misleading, insisting that killings, kidnappings, and attacks by terrorists and bandits continue in several parts of the country.
Speaking at an event in Washington on Friday, Trump reportedly said recent U.S. military operations in Nigeria had significantly weakened insurgent groups by eliminating key commanders and bringing attacks on Christian communities to an end.
Responding to the statement, CAN Chairman for the 19 Northern states and the FCT, Joseph Hayab, argued that only Nigerians, particularly those directly affected by insecurity, could accurately assess the situation.
“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.”
While acknowledging previous U.S. support in counterterrorism efforts, Hayab maintained that violence has not ceased and urged the United States to focus on practical assistance rather than what he described as political messaging.
“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.”
Also reacting, Osazee William, International Secretary of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy, said there was no evidence that the reported U.S. intervention had achieved the results claimed by Trump.
He added that Nigerians are still looking for more effective measures to address insecurity and protect vulnerable communities, calling on both the Nigerian government and the international community to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.
