U.S. President, Donald Trump has once again listed Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” accusing it of allowing what he called genocide against Christians.
The allegation came after Vice-President Kashim Shettima voiced support for Gaza at the recent United Nations General Assembly, which reportedly drew criticism from pro-Christian groups in the U.S.
However, several international figures, including a Vatican Cardinal, dismissed the claims, arguing that both Christians and Muslims are victims of insecurity in Nigeria.
In a post on social media Friday night, Trump said, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — but that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!”
Trump also urged the U.S. Congress to act quickly on the matter.
“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me,” he added.
The President said the U.S. could not remain silent while such “atrocities” continue in Nigeria and other countries.
“We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world,” he said.
Further details are expected later.
