The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend Joseph Hayab, has said that United States President Donald Trump’s remarks about killings of Christians in Nigeria have been misrepresented by many people.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Wednesday, November 12, Hayab clarified that Trump never threatened to invade Nigeria but merely urged the Federal Government to take decisive action against terrorists targeting Christians.
“Listening to what Trump said, Trump never said he was going to come to fight Nigeria. There’s a twisting of all these things,” Hayab said.
“Trump simply said, ‘Go after these terrorists; if you don’t go after them, we can come and go after them.’ So, who is afraid of Trump coming to Nigeria?”
Hayab stressed that acknowledging the reality of attacks on Christians is the first step toward national reconciliation and peace.
“You can’t tell someone who is a victim, who is in pain, that his cries are not true,” he said.
“Once we stop doing that, then we’ll find a solution. Let’s admit that people came and killed Christians, and they came in the name of religion. They came as Islamic fundamentalists.”
He, however, clarified that Christians are not accusing all Muslims but rather extremists who use religion as a cover for violence.
“No Christian is saying Muslims had a meeting and asked people to go and kill them, but Christians are saying that fundamentalists, terrorists came in the name of Islam and killed Christians. When we acknowledge that fact, then we’ve started a journey of healing,” he explained.
The CAN chairman called for empathy and dialogue among Nigerians, noting that honest conversations are key to restoring national trust.
“When we begin to talk to one another and understand the feelings and pain that people are going through, people will trust any conversation we bring to the table,” Hayab said.
He urged government officials to stop dismissing reports of religious killings and instead engage directly with affected communities to rebuild confidence and foster unity.
Reacting to criticisms that Trump’s statement represents an American political agenda, Hayab argued that Nigerian leaders should be more concerned about addressing the grievances of victims than debating Trump’s motives.
“Before you tell me about Trump’s agenda, have you shown concern when I was burying people in large numbers?” he asked.
“If you fail to act and Trump says he’s coming, let him come, at least it will show you’re not the only one watching.”
Naijaonpoint reports that President Trump recently drew attention to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, warning of consequences if the Nigerian government failed to act against terrorists targeting religious minorities.
The statement, which has stirred controversy, was interpreted by some as a threat of military intervention, prompting clarifications from both U.S. officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
Trump’s comment follows several reports of sectarian violence in northern Nigeria, including attacks on Christian communities in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, and other states.
Reverend Hayab’s comments come amid renewed calls for the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward curbing religiously motivated killings and ensuring justice for victims across the country.
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