The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has called on Nigerians to view the recent statement by United States President Donald Trump on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria as an opportunity to unite and end all forms of killings in the country.

Chairman of the Northern CAN, Rev. John Hayab, made the appeal on Tuesday, stressing that rather than seeing Trump’s remark as divisive, Nigerians should take it as a challenge to collectively tackle insecurity and religious intolerance.

Hayab said the former American leader’s observation should serve as a wake-up call to both Christians and Muslims to demand concrete action from the government to protect lives and ensure freedom of worship for all citizens.

“Trump’s statement about alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria should be an opportunity for peace-loving Christians and Muslims to come together and insist that government must stop the killing of anyone on account of religion or identity,” Hayab stated.

He added that Trump’s comment, if viewed objectively, expressed concern rather than condemnation, portraying the voice of an outsider urging Nigerians to safeguard peace and unity.

“If you read President Trump’s words with an open mind, you will simply hear the voice of someone who cares about us and wants us to take serious steps to enjoy peace and harmony in our country,” he said.

Trump had, in a recent statement, alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing persecution — a claim that has since generated wide debate within and outside the country.

Hayab, however, maintained that such remarks, no matter how controversial, should strengthen Nigeria’s resolve to build mutual trust, protect human life, and foster religious coexistence.