These massacres have been going on for years, going back to at least 2023 when Muslims terrorists murdered 200 people. At the time, Reuters blamed climate change for the violence. "Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter," Trump continued.
"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! " Trump said.
"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!"
In February, the European Parliament also condemned the ongoing violence in Nigeria, saying, "Nigeria is currently the country most affected in the world by violence against Christians. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 17 000 Christians were killed in targeted attacks because of their faith. In just the first seven months of 2025, more than 7 000 victims were reported, with around 7 800 kidnappings. Behind these figures lie destroyed families, razed villages and communities forced to flee."
Senator Ted Cruz and other lawmakers have also called out the violence, though the AP and other outlets continue to claim that it's not actually happening. Muslim extremist groups, such as Boko Haram, continue to threaten Christians in the nation.
"There is no systematic, intentional attempt either by the Nigerian government or by any serious group to target a particular religion," said Information Minister Idris Muhammed to The Associated Press.
In 2020, Nigeria was put on the country of particular concern list over "systemic violations of religious freedom." The Biden administration reversed that in 2023.
