News
BREAKING: Trump Sanctions Nigeria Over ‘Mass Slaughter’ of Christians
Trump designates Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” citing Christian persecution and directing US lawmakers to investigate the killings
US President Donald Trump has announced that Nigeria is being designated a “country of particular concern”, citing the escalating violence and persecution of Christians across the West African nation.
Also read: Donald Trump Announces Lawsuit Against Twitter, Facebook And Google
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Friday, Trump said Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, where thousands of believers have been killed by what he described as “radical Islamists.”
“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,” Trump wrote.
He added that “the United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.”
To underscore his stance, Trump said he has directed Rep. Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and members of the House Appropriations Committee to launch an investigation into the crisis and present their findings to him.
“We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world,” he declared.
The former President’s statement comes amid increasing global concern over religious violence in Nigeria. Churches have been attacked, entire villages razed, and worshippers murdered in several northern and central states.
In one of the most recent incidents, militants stormed the village of a bishop who had testified before Congress about Christian persecution, killing over twenty residents.
Similar attacks in Plateau and Benue states this year alone have claimed hundreds of lives, with survivors recounting how gunmen shouted “Allahu Akbar” as they set homes and churches ablaze.
Rights groups have long accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect vulnerable communities from extremist violence, including those carried out by Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed herder militias.
While Nigeria was previously designated a “country of particular concern” by the US State Department in 2020, the classification was lifted under President Joe Biden in 2021 — a move that drew criticism from religious freedom advocates.
Also read: Gold Prices Hit Record High Amid US Shutdown Fears
Trump’s renewed designation, though symbolic for now, signals a potential shift in tone within sections of the US political establishment as the 2024 election cycle continues to shape debates over foreign policy and religious liberty.
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal, has received the ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award in Ghana, with organisers recognising what they described as his administration’s achievements in public sector leadership and economic reforms.
The governor was honoured at the 7th ZIK International Peace and Leadership Award ceremony, held on Friday at the British Council in Accra. The event featured a lecture themed: “Leadership, Peace, and Regional Integration: Advancing Africa’s Development in a Changing Global Order.”
According to the organisers, Lawal’s award was based, among other considerations, on his administration’s progress in public sector leadership and economic reforms in Zamfara State.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ZIK Pan-African Award, His Royal Highness Professor Echefuna R.G. Onyeabadi, noted that the award was established to recognise individuals making meaningful contributions to the service of their people.
Receiving the award, Governor Lawal dedicated the honour to the people of Zamfara State, stating that it would further motivate his administration to intensify efforts toward transforming the state.
“This award is dedicated to all the people of Zamfara State. My administration has been working tirelessly to ensure the state can compete with any other in Nigeria. That was our promise and we have surpassed expectations in just three years,” Lawal said.
The governor highlighted key projects and reforms undertaken by his administration, including urban renewal initiatives, the construction of a modern airport and sweeping reforms in security, education, healthcare and the civil service. He noted that the newly constructed airport was particularly significant, as Zamfara had not benefited from such infrastructure in over 30 years since the creation of the state.
“We have made great strides in security, civil service reform, education, health and other sectors,” the governor added.
Lawal thanked the organisers for the recognition, saying the award would encourage him to do even more for the people of Zamfara.
“It means a lot to me and will motivate me to do even more for my people. Zamfara is on the rise,” he said.
Lagos Assembly Speaker pays tribute as High Chief Hamza Alimi Majowogbe is buried according to Islamic rites in Ogun State
-
Politics2 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics2 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News5 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business2 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)