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FACT-CHECK: How True Is Trump’s Claim Of Christian Genocide In Nigeria?

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5 months ago

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The US, on Friday, October 31, 2025, under President Donald Trump’s administration has redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over allegations of genocide against Christians.

The Nigerian Tracker News has learnt that the Christian genocide narrative in Nigeria supposedly gained traction after the address of Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the United Nations last week.

Shettima had said the situation in Gaza was “heart-wrenching” and demanded an immediate ceasefire that would birth Palestinians independence and create homes of their own on territories already recognised by the UN and international law.

He said a two-state solution remained the most viable path to peace and warned that continued neglect of international law only fuels propaganda and undermines global stability.

Many, including a Vatican Cardinal, had rejected the claim, saying both Christians and Muslims were victims of insecurity in Nigeria.

It’s quite surprising hearing such claim coming from Trump because, earlier this month, Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to Trump for Arab and African Affairs, dismissed persistent claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria — insisting that terrorism in the country affects people of all faiths.

Speaking in Rome, Italy, during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government summit, Boulos countered allegations by some U.S. lawmakers who had called for Nigeria to be designated a “country of particular concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

Despite such unambiguous stand by his Senior Adviser on the matter, in a post on social Media, on Friday, Trump said Christianity was facing an existential threat in Nigeria.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this 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, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!”

“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!”

While some blamed his utterances on ignorance of what really transpires here in Nigeria on the said issue, others brand him as a deliberately mischievous being.

What Does The Term “Country Of A Particular Concern” Mean?

According to the US, a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) is a designation by the United States Secretary of State (under authority delegated by the President) of a country responsible for particularly severe violations of religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 (H.R. 2431) and its amendment of 1999 (Public Law 106-55).

The term “particularly severe violations of religious freedom” means systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom, including violations such as:

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a) Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment;
b) Prolonged detention without charges;
c) Causing the disappearance of persons by the abduction or clandestine detention of those persons; or
d) Other flagrant denials of the right to life, liberty, or the security of persons. Nations so designated are subject to further actions, including economic sanctions, by the United States.

Historically, this newspaper recalled that this is the second time that the US government is branding Nigeria as a Country Of Particular Concern, as the first one was reported to had happened in December, 2020.

Data Speaks

Nigerian Tracker News, in its quest to make the world know the authenticity of the president’s claim, made a thorough investigation into the matter by presenting records of violence and killings in each of the six geo political zones in Nigeria.

The North West and North East regions have been the most severely affected by killings in Nigeria in recent years. The violence in Nigeria is driven by a mix of factors including insurgency (Boko Haram and ISWAP), banditry, and farmer-herder clashes, with different regions experiencing different primary threats.

North West

This region has recorded the highest number of overall murder cases and kidnappings recently, with banditry and associated criminal activities being the primary causes. States like Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have been major flashpoints. In the period between May 2023 and April 2024, the North West alone recorded an estimated 206,030 murder cases.

North East

Historically, this region has been the epicenter of the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies. Borno State, in particular, has experienced the highest number of insurgency-related fatalities. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect deaths since 2009, with an estimated 188,992 cases reported between May 2023 and April 2024.

North Central (Middle Belt)

This region is frequently affected by long-standing and escalating conflicts between predominantly Fulani herders and mostly Hausa farmers over land and water resources. Benue and Plateau states have experienced significant mass killings and displacement due to these clashes, with Benue recording the highest death toll in the two years since President Bola Tinubu took office (May 2023 – May 2025).

Southern Regions (South East, South South, South West)

While experiencing significant crime, including cultism, kidnapping for ransom, and road accidents, these regions generally have lower levels of large-scale killings compared to the northern and central regions. The South West reported the least number of murder cases between May 2023 and April 2024. The South East has seen an increase in violence related to separatist agitation and other criminal activities.

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Report (May 2023 – April 2024)

This report highlights the North West (206,030 cases) and North East (188,992 cases) as having the highest number of murder cases nationally.

Amnesty International Reports:

Various reports from Amnesty International have consistently documented the failure of authorities to protect rural communities, particularly in the North West and North Central, from attacks by armed groups, leading to thousands of deaths and a looming humanitarian crisis.

UN and Research Think Tanks:

Reports from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Crisis Group provide in-depth analysis of the root causes of the violence, such as competition over resources, weak governance, and the proliferation of arms, confirming the north of the country as the most violent.

Causes of Violence by Region (In Summary)

Region Primary Causes of Violence
North West: Banditry, kidnappings, criminal activities
North East: Insurgency (Boko Haram, ISWAP)
North Central: Farmer-herder clashes (land, water resources)
South East : Separatist agitation, cultism, kidnappings
South South : Cultism, kidnapping for ransom, road accidents
South West: Crime (including cultism, kidnapping), relatively lower large-scale killings

A critical observation of the information above makes it clear that Donald Trump’s claim of a Christian genocide in Nigeria is false, because the two regionsthe South-East and South-South which are predominantly Christian environments, are suffering from violence unrelated to religion.

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Sultan of Sokoto Declares Friday, March 20, 2026 as Eid-el-Fitr Day

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36 minutes ago

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March 18, 2026

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MOON NOT SPOTTED: Sultan Declares Friday, March 20th as Eid-el-Fitr as Ramadan Hits 30 Days

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH was not sighted on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (29th day of Ramadan).

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In line with Islamic injunctions from the Qur’an and Hadith, Muslims are required to complete 30 days of fasting when the moon is not sighted, making Thursday, March 19, 2026, the 30th day of Ramadan. Consequently, Friday, March 20, 2026, has been declared the first day of Shawwal 1447AH and the day for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The announcement, issued by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee and signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu (Wazirin Sokoto), confirmed no verified sightings were received nationwide.

The Sultan felicitated with Nigerian Muslims on completing Ramadan, urged continued prayers for peace, unity, and development, and prayed that Allah accepts all acts of worship. “May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, Amin.”

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IGP Disu Commits to Fallen Officers’ Legacies with N2.4 Billion Payout to Next-of-Kin

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4 hours ago

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March 18, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has presented cheques totalling N2.4 billion to 1,075 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers under the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes.

According to a statement on Wednesday signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the presentation took place at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The cheques, “amounting to ₦2,435,421,584.11, cover policy years 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, as well as 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, including outstanding insurance claims recovered from previous years.”

In her remarks, the Force Insurance Officer, Lydia Ameh, said the disbursement reflects “the determination of the IGP Olatunji Disu to prioritise the welfare of officers and their families.”

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She noted that “the payments represent recoveries from long-standing insurance obligations” and added that “decisive steps have been taken to ensure compliance by insurance providers and prevent delays in claims settlement.”

Ameh further reaffirmed “the commitment of the Force Insurance Unit to efficient, transparent, and accountable service delivery.”

In his response, the IGP described the ceremony as “a solemn recognition of the sacrifices made by officers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” noting that the welfare of personnel remains a central pillar of his administration.

He stated that the presentation “goes beyond financial support,” adding that it represents “the Force’s enduring obligation to honour the courage, service, and commitment of its fallen heroes while standing firmly by their families.”

Disu assured all that “efforts would be intensified to strengthen welfare frameworks, improve administrative efficiency, and eliminate delays in the processing and disbursement of benefits.”

He also noted that “the Force will leverage modern technology to enhance transparency, streamline claims processing, and ensure accountability in welfare administration.”

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment, stating that the sacrifices of fallen officers “remain invaluable to the peace, security, and stability of the nation.”

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Zakatul Fitr: The Final Act of Ramadan’s Compassion and Purification”

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10 hours ago

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March 18, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims turn their attention to one of its final acts of worship: Zakatul Fitr. More than just a charitable donation, this obligation is a profound act of purification and social solidarity, completing the spiritual journey of the month. Its performance, guided by clear prophetic traditions, ensures that its spiritual and social objectives are beautifully fulfilled.

Zakatul Fitr is a duty incumbent upon every Muslim who possesses the means beyond their basic needs for themselves and their family. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly established this, declaring: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakatul Fitr obligatory upon every Muslim—free or slave, male or female, young or old.” (Bukhari & Muslim).

This universality is a powerful reflection of Islam’s inclusive spirit. It ensures that every household that is able can participate in a collective act of compassion, supporting the less fortunate and weaving a tighter fabric of community care.

The amount set for Zakatul Fitr is one ṣā‘ of a household’s staple food. Classical scholars describe a ṣā‘ as a volume measure roughly equivalent to 2.5 to 3 kilograms of common food items like rice, wheat, dates, or barley. The head of the household is responsible for fulfilling this duty on behalf of all dependents, including children and those under their care. This system guarantees that every member of the community, even the youngest, contributes to uplifting the poor, reinforcing the principle of shared responsibility.

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Timing is essential for Zakatul Fitr to achieve its intended purpose. The charity must be given before the Eid prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed that it be distributed before people set out for the prayer, so that the needy may benefit from it in time to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with dignity and joy. Recognizing the logistical challenges of distribution, scholars permit giving the Zakat a day or two before Eid. This flexibility facilitates the process, ensuring it reaches those who need it most in a timely manner.

The primary recipients of Zakatul Fitr are the poor and the needy. By providing them with the means to partake in the Eid festivities, this charity prevents their social exclusion and transforms Eid into a genuine celebration for the entire community. It is a tangible expression of the principle that joy is meant to be shared.

In contemporary contexts, many scholars permit giving the equivalent monetary value, allowing recipients the flexibility to address their most pressing needs. This opinion is followed when it is deemed more beneficial, though the original Sunnah emphasizes the distribution of food.

Reflecting on Zakatul Fitr reveals the profound practical wisdom within Islam. It ensures that the intense worship of Ramadan does not remain a private spiritual exercise but instead culminates in a visible act of social responsibility. As believers conclude their month of fasting with gratitude to Allah for His blessings, they channel that gratitude into generosity toward others.

Thus, Zakatul Fitr stands as the final, defining gesture of Ramadan. It is a powerful symbol of personal purification, sincere compassion, and communal harmony, ensuring that the joy of Eid is not a private privilege but a shared blessing for all members of society.

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