The Northern arm of the Christian Association of Nigeria urged Nigerians on Tuesday to treat U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” as an opportunity for unity and renewed pressure on authorities to halt communal killings and protect all faiths.
Rev. Dr. Hayab, chairman of Northern CAN, told reporters the U.S. statement should make “peace-loving Christians and Muslims to unite and demand concrete steps from the government to ensure the safety and freedom of all citizens, irrespective of religion or identity.” He said it is a “wake-up call” for political and security leaders to take decisive action.
Trump last week added Nigeria to the CPC list, citing reports of mass killings of Christians. He then ordered U.S. agencies to prepare responses, leading to diplomatic tensions and prompted a firm rejection from Abuja. The Federal Government has disputed this characterisation of Nigeria as tolerant of religious persecution.
Northern CAN urged the country's leaders to accelerate protections for vulnerable communities, improve intelligence and law-enforcement coordination, and ensure humanitarian aid reach affected areas. The group warned that external labels should not substitute for sustained domestic reforms but said international attention could lead to action.
Reaction across Nigeria has been mixed: some politicians welcomed the admonition as a blunt reminder to act, while critics cautioned against foreign pressure that might undermine sovereignty. CAN’s Northern leadership called for interfaith dialogue, community policing and immediate measures to secure places of worship and rural settlements as practical first steps.
