Source: Africa Publicity
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has responded to claims by United States President Donald Trump that Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria, describing the characterization as inconsistent with Nigeria’s national reality.
President Trump had on Friday alleged that “Christianity is facing existential threat in Nigeria.”
In a post on his Truth Social, Trump claimed that “Thousands of Christians are being killed” in the country and alleged that “radical islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”
According to Trump, he is making Nigeria a “country of particular concern – But that is the least of it.” He added that “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 disclosed that “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 stated further that “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.” He assured that “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
Reports
The International Christian Concern, an organization supporting persecuted Christians worldwide, had reported on January 24, 2025, that “Boko Haram is escalating attacks on Christian communities in Chibok, Borno state, displacing more than 4,000 Christians in recent days. In a series of coordinated raids, Boko Haram targeted the Christian villages of Njila, Banziir, Shikarkir, and Yirmirmug, burning homes, torching churches, and killing five people.”
It also noted that “Eyewitnesses reported that Boko Haram militants targeted Christians during these raids, intimidating them and demanding they convert to Islam or face death. The violence destroyed Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa, a church, and the loss of livestock, food supplies, and livelihoods.”
In October 2025, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz accused Nigeria’s government of enabling a “massacre” against Christians, alleging that 50,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 with 2,000 schools and 18,000 churches destroyed by what he called “Islamist” armed groups.
Tinubu’s response
Responding on Saturday, November 1, 2025, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, stressing that the country remains a democracy governed by the rule of law and respect for all faiths.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said in a statement issued from the State House.
He added: “Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which 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.
According to the Nigerian President, “Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
He further emphasized that “Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.”
Concluding his statement, Tinubu said: “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.”
