Pastor Wale Adefarasin of Guiding Light Assembly, Abuja, has faulted the United States’ renewed concern over attacks on Christians in Nigeria, following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about alleged religious persecution.
In a viral video on Monday, Adefarasin said violence against Christians in northern Nigeria has persisted for decades and warned against describing it as genocide. “For 40 years I’ve seen killings in southern Kaduna and the Plateau. It’s nothing new, and it doesn’t amount to genocide,” he said.
He criticised the West for exaggerating the situation, saying, “It’s as if when a Christian steps on the street, his head will be blown off.” Adefarasin also questioned the motives behind America’s sudden “love” for Nigerian Christians, suggesting it may be tied to Nigeria’s new refinery and valuable mineral resources.
His comments came amid widespread reactions to Trump’s warning that the U.S. might take military action over the alleged persecution of Christians.
Presidential aide Daniel Bwala dismissed the threat, saying any foreign intervention without Nigeria’s consent would be “unacceptable.” He stressed Nigeria’s sovereignty and expressed hope that the issue would be clarified when President Tinubu meets Trump soon.
Bwala, however, commended Trump’s previous approval of arms sales to Nigeria, describing it as a gesture of support for the country’s fight against terrorism.
