The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s recent statement alleging that Christians in Nigeria are being systematically attacked and killed.
Speaking at the National Youth Fellowship Convention in Abuja, YOWICAN National Secretary Elijah Bako described Trump’s remarks and proposed intervention as a timely “wake-up call” rather than a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Zonal and state youth leaders from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and the North-East attended the event.
Trump had earlier warned via his Truth Social platform that the U.S. could go “guns-a-blazing” if the alleged killings continued.
Bako said the violence against Christians—including killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of churches—had reached a “breaking point.” He cited the Nigerian Constitution, reminding leaders that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” and lamented that “the reality on the ground suggests the opposite.”
“Despite overwhelming evidence of targeted attacks against Christian communities, government action remains weak or nonexistent,” Bako said.
He further argued that Trump’s comments on terrorism and genocide in Nigeria should prompt self-reflection among Nigerian leaders rather than defensiveness.
According to him, attacks in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa are part of “a deliberate pattern to erase Christian presence from the region.”
Referencing the ordeals of Leah Sharibu and Deborah Samuel, Bako described them as “symbols of faith and endurance” and called for justice and peace in Nigeria.
The statement followed a similar position by former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, who said Trump had merely highlighted a crisis that had claimed thousands of lives. Dickson acknowledged the need to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty but stressed that global cooperation was vital in combating extremist violence.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu responded on Thursday, saying his administration was engaging world leaders diplomatically over Trump’s comments. Speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, Tinubu reassured Nigerians that his government remained committed to defeating terrorism.
“We assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country,” Tinubu said, adding that Nigeria was moving toward stability and economic recovery.
The President’s remarks came amid criticism from some Northern groups who rejected foreign calls to abolish Sharia law, insisting on respect for cultural and religious autonomy.
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