US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing criticism of Nigeria’s handling of insecurity, describing the country as “a disgrace” over continued mass killings and abductions by armed groups.
Speaking on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio on Friday, Trump accused the federal government of failing in its basic duty to protect citizens.
“I think Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace. They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it,” he said.
The US President claimed Washington has provided significant support to Nigeria, warning that such assistance may be withdrawn.
“The government has done nothing. They are very ineffective. They’re killing Christians at will. And you know, until I got involved two weeks ago, nobody even talked about it,” Trump added.
His remarks come amid renewed international attention on the rising wave of violent attacks across the country, including kidnappings, bandit raids, and assaults on rural communities.
On Friday, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state said 315 people — 303 students and 12 teachers — were abducted.
Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said tactical teams, the military and other security agencies had been deployed in pursuit of the attackers.
The incident occurred barely days after 25 female students were abducted at Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. The school’s vice-principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed during the attack, while a security guard, Ali Shehu, sustained gunshot injuries.
Trump had earlier, on November 1, threatened potential military action in Nigeria over what he called the persecution of Christians.
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