By Monsurat Abisoye
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy, has dismissed United States President Donald Trump’s claim that US military intervention had largely ended the killing of Christians in Nigeria.
Speaking at an event in Washington on Friday, Trump claimed that American action in Nigeria had significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities and weakened those responsible for the violence by eliminating key leaders.
However, CAN Chairman for the northern states and the FCT, Joseph Hayab, described the statement as misleading and disconnected from realities on the ground. He argued that Nigerians, including Christians, are still being killed and abducted across several states and that only victims of the insecurity can determine whether any meaningful progress has been made.
Hayab said Trump’s remarks appeared to be based on inaccurate information from advisers and criticised what he called political claims that do not reflect the true security situation. While acknowledging recent US operations against terrorist elements, including strikes in Sokoto and actions against ISIS commanders, he maintained that innocent Nigerians continue to be killed daily.
He urged the US administration to provide genuine assistance rather than what he termed propaganda, pointing to ongoing cases of abductions and violence in states such as Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Katsina and Borno.
Similarly, the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy said there was no convincing evidence that the reported US intervention had achieved its objectives. The International Secretary of the body, Archbishop Osazee William, said the intervention fell short of expectations and had not addressed the root causes of insecurity.
William also raised concerns over reports of possible behind-the-scenes negotiations intended to soften the US position on issues affecting Nigeria. Although he acknowledged that the reported airstrikes sent a message, he insisted that their aftermath showed they had not delivered the expected results.
The bishops called for sustained and practical efforts by both Nigerian authorities and international partners to tackle insecurity and better protect lives and property across the country.
