The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) following reports alleging widespread violence and genocide against Christians.
In a statement posted on social media on Friday, October 31, Trump warned that Christianity was facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria.
“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, are being slaughtered like what is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!” Trump wrote.
He further called on Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the situation and provide a report.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world,” he added.
Trump’s statement follows recent comments by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who alleged that Nigeria is experiencing a “Christian genocide” and that believers are being targeted by Islamist terrorist groups.
The Nigerian government and several religious leaders, however, have rejected these claims, insisting that the violence in the country is not religiously motivated but largely driven by ethnic, economic, and security challenges.
