According to the Nigerian Tribune, the Head of the Church of the Lord (Aladura) Worldwide and President of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Africa, Primate Rufus Ositelu, has debunked the widespread narratives misrepresenting U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on aiding Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Speaking on Saturday at the centenary world press briefing held to launch activities marking the church’s 100th anniversary at Aladura Comprehensive High School, Anthony Village, Lagos, Ositelu explained that Trump’s comments which many interpreted as a threat or an intention to carry out military action in Nigeria had been blown out of proportion.
He aligned with other Christian leaders in asserting that the scale and pattern of recurring violence in parts of Northern Nigeria fit the internationally recognised description of genocide, insisting that authorities can no longer ignore or trivialise the crisis.
He said, “Trump was not talking about invading Nigeria. He was offering support to eliminate terrorist cells.”
Ositelu emphasised that the United States does not need to deploy troops into Nigeria to provide such assistance.
According to him, Trump’s remarks signalled America’s willingness to help Nigeria tackle extremist groups responsible for destabilising large portions of the North.
He added that the U.S. has both the capability and technology to conduct operations from neighbouring territories without infringing on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The cleric noted that public focus on Trump’s statement had shifted attention away from what he described as the real crisis the continued killings of Christian communities in Northern Nigeria which, in his view, clearly satisfy the criteria for genocide.
He stressed that these assaults persist despite consistent warnings from religious leaders.
“The real issue is the genocidal attacks happening in Northern Nigeria. Instead of debating Trump’s intentions, the government should focus on ending the killings,” he insisted.
Ositelu acknowledged that although Muslims have also fallen victim to extremist violence, Christians are intentionally singled out because of their faith, making the situation unmistakably genocidal.
He further raised alarm over what he termed compromised security structures in Nigeria, claiming that frequent intelligence leaks have undermined military operations. According to him, this internal weakness not foreign remarks continues to embolden extremist elements.
While calling on the Federal Government to act decisively and transparently, he urged Nigerians to avoid misinterpreting international offers of help.
He explained that genocide refers to the deliberate extermination of people based on their identity, adding that the targeted killing of Christians on the basis of their faith falls squarely within that definition.
“Nigeria needs partners, not panic. We must see clearly, act boldly, and protect every Nigerian, regardless of religion,” he added.
Ositelu also appealed to citizens to rise above ethnic and religious divisions and embrace values that promote love, justice, and national unity.
Primate Ositelu added that the centenary sermon will be delivered by the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Sunday Ola Makinde, with Senator Gbenga Daniel and other notable figures expected to attend the celebration. View, More,
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