The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat against Nigeria following his decision to label the country a “nation of particular concern.”
In a statement released on Sunday by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the union described Trump’s remarks as reckless, insensitive, and capable of deepening tensions in Nigeria.
The union said Trump’s comments were misplaced and failed to acknowledge the daily struggles Nigerians face, including hunger, poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. It added that Nigeria does not need external intimidation when it is already battling multiple internal crises.
The group questioned Trump’s moral authority, asking why he remained silent when herders and terrorists were killing innocent Nigerians across the country.
“Where was Donald Trump when Fulani herders and other terrorists were massacring thousands of farmers, women, and children while the government looked away or rewarded the perpetrators?” the statement queried.
The Yoruba Union said Trump’s threat of war could destabilize Nigeria and worsen its fragile unity. It urged the U.S. to offer constructive partnership instead — through intelligence sharing, security support, and youth empowerment — rather than coercion.
“There is no doubt about the incessant killings across the country,” the union said. “From Plateau to Benue, Zamfara to Borno, and Ogun to Ondo, the story is the same — innocent farmers are slaughtered, lands are seized, and terrorists impose taxes on communities.”
It blamed successive Nigerian administrations for neglecting citizens’ welfare, prioritizing political power over justice and security. The group stressed that the government’s failure to prosecute attackers has emboldened violence nationwide.
According to the statement, “War is not an option for Nigeria. We have seen the ruins of Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya — Nigeria must not go that path.”
The Yoruba Union also warned the Tinubu administration against negotiating with terrorists, insisting that victims of violence must be compensated and perpetrators brought to justice.
“Nigeria cannot afford to become another war-torn nation. We are already at war with hunger, poverty, and insecurity. What we need now is unity, justice, and responsible leadership — not intimidation from abroad,” the statement concluded.
