The United States of America has warned the Nigerian government about its seriousness to attack Nigeria if the government does not take urgent steps to stop the reckless killings going on in the country.
The warning was issued by Congressman Riley Moore as he receives the Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who reportedly led a high-powered government delegation to the United States to address growing allegations of Christian persecution in the country.
Recall that earlier this month, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of particular concern and directed lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore to investigate the situation.
The abduction and killings increased just after President Trump’s declaration of Nigeria of CPC State, thus strengthening US resolve to intervene, and making nonsense of repeated efforts by the Federal Government to correct the narrative.
In the last one week, there has been various attack by bandits in different parts of the country, leading to the killing of the Vice Principal of Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls. Also, within space of days, another Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State was attacked by bandits, killing some worshippers and kidnapping others. There has also been reported cases of kidnapping of a Catholic Priest in Kaduna recently. All of these attacks happening after the redesignation of Nigeria as a CPC country.
Following these renewed attack, American rapper Nicki Minaj was recently invited to the United Nations to testify against Nigeria.
The Nigerian government was not allowed to attend the session, prompting a strong protest.
Syndoph Endoni, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, criticised the exclusion, saying it amounted to shaving our head in our absence.
The Minaj session was organised in collaboration with the US Mission to the UN.
On Wednesday, Ribadu and other senior officials met Congressman Moore in the US to present Nigeria’s position and clarify the country’s security challenges.
The delegation included Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, among others.
Moore announced the meeting on social media, describing the engagement as open and constructive.
He said the Nigerian officials discussed issues around counterterrorism, security support, and the protection of vulnerable communities.
In his statement, Moore said, “Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria.”
He added that he made it clear the US wants to see “tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Moore said the US is willing to cooperate with Nigeria to confront Boko Haram, ISWAP and Fulani militants, especially regarding attacks in the Northeast and Middle Belt.
He also said, “The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States.
“President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria.”
The Nigerian delegation is yet to issue any public statement to that effect.