ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria on Saturday expressed support for United States President Donald Trump’s assertion that Christians are being systematically targeted and killed in Nigeria.
Speaking at the National Youth Fellowship Convention in Abuja, the National Secretary of YOWICAN, Elijah Bako, also welcomed Trump’s proposed intervention, describing it as a timely “wake-up call” for authorities rather than an infringement on national sovereignty.
Zonal and state youth leaders of CAN from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and the North-East were in attendance.
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VONa reported that Trump, via his Truth Social platform, warned that the United States might go “guns-a-blazing” if the alleged killings persisted.
In his address, Bako lamented that the wave of killings, kidnappings, church burnings, and forced displacement of Christian communities in parts of the North and Middle Belt had reached what he called a “breaking point.”
Quoting the 1999 Constitution, Bako reminded political leaders that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” insisting that the situation on the ground indicates otherwise.
“Killings, kidnappings, and destruction of communities have become daily occurrences while those responsible walk freely. Despite overwhelming evidence of targeted attacks against Christian communities, the government action remains weak or nonexistent,” he stated.
Bako emphasized that Trump’s remarks on terrorism and genocide in Nigeria should prompt Nigerian leaders to reflect, not react defensively. He noted that attacks in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa states are not isolated but “part of a deliberate pattern to erase Christian presence from the region.”
He also referenced the ordeals of Leah Sharibu and Deborah Samuel, calling them national symbols of endurance in the face of persecution.
“Our call is simple: Let there be justice, let there be peace, and let Nigeria rise again as a nation where faith is not a crime and human life is sacred,” Bako declared.
The statement comes shortly after former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, supported Trump’s warning, noting that the former US president merely highlighted a crisis that has claimed thousands of Nigerian lives.
In a statement titled “Alleged Genocide: My Stance On President Trump’s Statement,” Dickson emphasized that while Nigeria’s sovereignty must be respected, global cooperation is essential to combat extremist violence.
Dickson recalled that Boko Haram, ISWAP, and affiliated terrorist networks have “wreaked unimaginable havoc” for nearly 15 years, adding that the violence has affected people across different religions and ethnicities.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday stated that his administration was already engaging world leaders diplomatically in response to Trump’s remarks, assuring Nigerians that external actors would not be allowed to undermine national decisions.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, after swearing in two new ministers, Tinubu also reassured citizens that the fight against terrorism continues.
“We assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country,” Tinubu said, adding that Nigeria is progressing toward greater stability and economic recovery.
His comments came in the wake of pushback from some Northern groups who dismissed calls by US conservatives to abolish Sharia law, insisting that cultural and religious autonomy must be respected.