The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Diaspora chapter has called on the United States government, led by President Donald Trump, to lend support to Nigerian authorities in investigating the alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Ambassador Collins Osazee Idahosa, Vice President of NYCN Diaspora, who made the call in a statement, urged the US government to partner with Nigeria in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The NYCN Diaspora stated that its request is not for a declaration of war, but rather for collaborative efforts to enhance security and stability in Nigeria.
According to Idahosa, the proposed support would involve backing Nigerian security agencies in their investigation, collaborating on initiatives to combat terrorism and violence, and providing capacity-building programmes for Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
He expressed optimism that joint efforts would ensure the safety and security of lives and properties, promoting a more stable and prosperous Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant by President Trump does not reflect national reality.
The Guardian reported that President Trump, on Friday, lamented that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.” According to him, thousands of Christians are being killed, blaming radical Islamists for the 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 slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!” he said.
He added, ‘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. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing and able to save our great Christian population around the world.’
Reacting, President Tinubu, in a statement on Saturday, said Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
He stated that since 2023, his administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike, and continues to address security challenges that affect citizens across faiths and regions.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he said.
The President stated that religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of the collective identity of the people and will always remain so.
“Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.
“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.
“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” he said.
