US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with his latest remarks, labeling Nigeria “a disgrace” due to the country’s handling of escalating attacks on civilians.
Trump expressed his frustration on Fox News Radio’s ‘The Brian Kilmeade Show’ on Friday, citing what he called a “genocide” of Christians in the country.
“I think Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace. They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it,” Trump stated, adding that the US would stop its subsidy to Nigeria.
He added that “and we pay, you know, we give a lot of subsidy to Nigeria which we’re going to end up stopping.”
This comes after recent attacks, including the abduction of 315 people, mostly students, from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Niger state, and 25 female students from Government Girls Secondary School in Kebbi state.
Trump accused the Nigerian government of inaction, saying, “The government’s done nothing. They’re very ineffective. They’re killing Christians at will.”
His comments have drawn criticism from Nigerian officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, who said Trump’s remarks have emboldened violent groups in the country.
Persecondnews recalls that the US has designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious freedom violations, prompting high-level talks between US and Nigerian officials.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Pentagon during the week, discussing ways to curb violence against Christians and combat jihadist groups.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has rejected claims of state-enabled persecution, emphasizing efforts to protect citizens regardless of faith.
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